NMMC, United reach temporary accord

Dec. 23--JACKSON -- A temporary agreement has been reached to ensure people covered through United Healthcare can continue to receive medical care at Tupelo-based North Mississippi Health Services and its affiliates.

Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney announced the temporary agreement Thursday. He said it impacts 50,000 policy holders.

In October, North Mississippi Health Services officials announced it was ending its "provider participation agreement" with UHC because it claimed that the national health insurer was not reimbursing the hospital at a fair rate.

Chaney said Thursday that United Healthcare had agreed to reimburse the hospital at its in-network rates. NMHS has agreed not to charge United Healthcare policyholders at a higher rate because the hospital does not believe it has gotten fair payment from the insurance company.

The agreement lasts until May 31 as the two sides continue to negotiate, Chaney said.

"This means that all UHC members may continue to be treated at NMMC as they are now without incurring certain financial penalties that might otherwise apply on an out-of-network basis, such as balance billing," Chaney said. "This action on the part of NMMC and UHC shows that their primary concern is for the patients and consumers they serve.

"I remain hopeful that the parties will reach a resolution of all issues in dispute in the near future."

The current agreement between North Mississippi Health Services and UHC was set to end Monday, Chaney said.

The dispute impacts people with employ-based coverage through United Healthcare, as well as those with individual plans. In addition, United covers a percentage of the state's Medicaid recipients through a managed care program.

The medical facilities that would be affected if no agreement is reached next year include not only the Tupelo hospital, but also the NMHS community hospitals in Pontotoc, Iuka, West Point, Eupora and Hamilton, Alabama, as well as North Mississippi Medical Clinics systems and any physicians employed by NMHS, according to a full page ad in the Daily Journal purchased by North Mississippi Health Services in October.

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