We are hearing from patients who feel caught in the middle of a dispute between Aetna and UConn Health.
They are frustrated the health system is now considered out-of-network for thousands of people.
“It’s very disconcerting to all of a sudden to be told, ‘Hey, I can’t see you because you know, your insurance won’t pay,’” said Brenda Barth, of Watertown.
Barth is among the about 15,000 patients left scrambling with UConn Health now out-of-network for many Aetna members.
She’s recovering from surgery on her spine in September and a follow-up in January has been canceled.
“I was kind of upset. You know, it’s just a tennis game between the insurance company and UConn over reimbursement rates,” Barth said.
Months of negotiations between Aetna and UConn have so far failed to reach a deal before Sunday’s deadline.
Both sides report there were no updates on Wednesday.
Aetna tells us UConn is asking for a big increase in reimbursement rates and that could hike costs for members and employers.
UConn argues its rates are lower than other health systems in the state and it’s looking for a fair agreement.
“Right now I feel like I’m quite in the middle,” Barth said.
So what should people do now?
If you are currently being treated or have a procedure scheduled, contact your provider.
You may qualify for what’s called continuity of care benefits. That allows you to continue care at in-network rates for up to 90 days.
UConn says to help people avoid having to pay potentially higher out-of-network costs, some appointments are being rescheduled or canceled.
Other less straightforward options include paying for services out-of-pocket or finding a new provider who accepts your insurance.
Barth says it could be tough to find a new neurosurgeon since she’s already established at UConn.
“I’m hoping they come to an agreement pretty soon,” Barth said.