Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare and University of Chicago Medicine have yet to reach an agreement to keep the medical center and its physicians in the insurer's network, which could ultimately affect 8,000 patients, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Although the parties are still negotiating, if an agreement isn't reached by June 30 UnitedHealthcare members may not receive in-network care at University of Chicago Medical Center or from University of Chicago Physicians Group.
The hospital is warning that patients with UnitedHealthcare PPO plans may have to pay more and those with HMO plans will have to pay out-of-network rates if a new contract isn't in place by the end of the month, according to the report.
Representatives for both sides declined the Chicago Tribune's request to comment on details of the disagreement; however UnitedHealthcare told the publication it "remains committed to working with University of Chicago officials on a new contract."