UConn Health, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement for better reimbursement

FARMINGTON -- UConn Health has reached a deal with one of the nation's largest insurance companies to get better reimbursement for the healthcare they provide, an official says.

In a statement, UConn Health officials said the organization has reached a new, multiyear agreement with UnitedHealthcare that reflects the cost of delivering high-quality medical care to the people of Connecticut.

"This agreement demonstrates what is possible when insurers and providers work together to protect patient access while fairly compensating the institutions that deliver care," UConn Health CEO Dr. Andy Agwunobi said in the release. "We appreciate UnitedHealthcare's collaborative approach and their recognition of the responsibility we share to Connecticut patients."

UConn Health said it is Connecticut's only public academic medical center and it plays a critical role in caring for patients across the state. They said this comes in the form of training the next generation of health care professionals, advancing research and serving as a safety net for local communities.

The organization said the agreement with UHC "recognizes the value of that mission and the importance of sustaining it on behalf of Connecticut taxpayers." It said it allows people with that insurance to continue to see their UConn Health providers and seek care at UConn Health's John Dempsey Hospital, as they normally would.

"Despite strong quality, safety, and patient outcomes, UConn Health has historically been reimbursed by some insurers at rates among the lowest in Connecticut," the statement said. "These rates do not reflect the true cost of care for a highly decorated academic medical center and place increasing strain on our ability to serve patients, invest in innovation, and fulfill our public mission."

Agwunobi said negotiations are continuing with Aetna, adding that UConn Health urges them to follow UHC's lead and come to a fair agreement that appropriately compensates it for the services it provides for Connecticut residents.

"When reimbursement fails to reflect the true cost and quality of care, the burden ultimately falls on patients and the public," he said. "Connecticut residents deserve insurers that work collaboratively to ensure access to high-quality, reliable care not prolonged uncertainty."