UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can no longer access providers with the Aurora-based UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, according to The Denver Post.
UnitedHealthcare members with MA plans are already considered out of network with the providers. UCHealth spokesperson Dan Weaver said the providers decided to stop accepting UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members because they said UnitedHealthcare did not follow their medical claims process.
"Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare does not follow the normal reimbursement and appeals process for Medicare Advantage claims for University of Colorado Hospital or CU Medicine," he told The Denver Post. Mr. Weaver said UnitedHealthcare told some of its members they could receive advanced care from specialists affiliated with the institutions, but later declined payment for the claims.
UnitedHealthcare told The Denver Post: "We believe we've paid University of Colorado Medicine fairly, and we are willing to work with them on any claims where they have questions.
"We are disappointed University of Colorado Medicine is no longer willing to see their patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, and we are working with our members to ensure they understand their options and have access to the care they may need."
In June, about 600 patients received notices that they would no longer be able to see providers with the University of Colorado Hospital or the School of Medicine.