Ascension Wisconsin announced Tuesday it has reached a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare, securing uninterrupted in-network access to care for patients covered under UHC’s commercial, Medicare and Medicaid plans.
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The announcement comes two weeks after Ascension Wisconsin said it would no longer be part of UnitedHealthcare’s network, as the two sides had been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract at the time.
“This agreement is more than just a contract,” said Daniel Jackson, CEO of Ascension Wisconsin. “It is a reaffirmation of our mission to serve all with dignity and compassion. By securing fair and sustainable reimbursement, we are able to continue supporting our caregivers, strengthening our ministries and providing high-quality, compassionate care across the communities we serve.”
Watch: Ascension Wisconsin reaches new agreement with UnitedHealthcare
According to Ascension Wisconsin, the renewed agreement ensures that individuals and families with UnitedHealthcare coverage can continue receiving care at Ascension Wisconsin’s hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities without disruption.
“We are grateful for the partnership and patience of those we serve as we navigated this important agreement,” Jackson said. “Together, we will continue our healing ministry and our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities.”
A spokesperson for Ascension Wisconsin said the agreement is effective immediately and that Ascension held claims for services furnished between Oct. 1 and Oct. 13.
Services received during that period will be covered at in-network rates, and patients should not be billed for out-of-network costs.
Helen Lambron is a breast cancer survivor. It was important to her to keep her medical team at Ascension Wisconsin so she switched insurance companies after the two sides did not reach an agreement by October 1. Lambron is working to reconnect with her insurance agent to sort out her next steps.
"I wish they’d signed it sooner. I wish they hadn’t put peoples lives and emotions at stake," Lambron said.
Theresa Derse-Nosacek explained how her two sons have autism and both attend speech and occupational therapy weekly. Derse-Nosacek pointed out how the missed appointments were disruptive.
"They need consistency for them to actually have progress," Derse-Nosacek said.
She was still navigating how to replace those services when Ascension and UnitedHealthcare reached the new deal. Derse-Nosacek is grateful that her two sons will be able to attend some of their appointments this week.
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