Prisma no longer in network with UnitedHealthCare insurance plans; no deal reached with health care system
(WIS) - After trying to reach an agreement in 2023, United Healthcare insurance has cut ties with Prisma Health. The insurance company placed Prisma Health out-of-network for its members.
“I have a procedure I have to do tomorrow; [now] I might have to pay for it out of pocket,” Newberry resident Gayle Wicker said.
The release stated the decision came after deliberations between UHC and Prisma Health failed to create an agreement both sides found reasonable. Prisma Health reported costs increased and they were “able to come to agreements with all other major insurance companies negotiated with during the past year.”
Many in the Midlands who have insurance plans with United said the situation is alarming and caught them off guard. This situation has put many who have UHC health insurance in a tough financial position.
“I think we should’ve gotten some notice,” Wicker said, “At least [some] notice that they were thinking about doing it.”
Both of Lexington resident Chrystal Shipley’s parents had passed away from a heart attack. After Shipley’s mom had passed, she was able to get treatment from her mom’s cardiologist, who she desperately needed to see because she’s at high risk of heart attack and stroke. Now that United has cut ties with Prisma, she can’t go see that doctor anymore.
“Being able to have the doctor that took care of my mom was just a blessing,” Shipley said. “He was able to get me on a medication that was going to pretty much reduce my chances of having a heart attack or stroke now at 46.”
“Now, I’m in a panic because I can’t have that doctor,” Shipley continued. “To say it’s scary is a vast understatement; people are in the same situation I’m in.”
Prisma also said in the release:
“We remain at the negotiating table and ask that UnitedHealthcare provide a reasonable proposal that would quickly reinstall Prisma Health as an in-network option.”
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