Earlier this year, Essentia Health made the major announcement that it had started the process of informing patients that, due to excessive prior authorization requirements and denial of care, they would no longer serve as an in-network provider for Medicare Advantage plans administered by UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Humana.
The change was scheduled to be in effect beginning Wednesday, January 1, 2025, impacting many patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Essentia’s chief medical officer for population health said that they had been re-evaluating their participation in Medicare Advantage plans, which added strain on their patients by “too often denying or delaying their care.”
Although it was not easy to make due to the impact it would have on many of their patients, they felt it had to be made.
However, good news just arrived for patients with the United HealthCare Medicare Advantage insurance plan in 2025.
Essentia Health Announces Agreement With United HealthCare
Good news recently arrived for patients with the United HealthCare Medicare Advantage insurance plan in 2025.
In a news release, Essentia said it had been working with United HealthCare on a resolution to ensure improved continuity of care for its patients covered by UHC’s Medicare Advantage plan.
Officials at Essentia believe the plans now address their concerns regarding excessive prior authorizations and denials.
Dr. Cathy Cantor, Essentia’s chief medical officer for population health, said Essential did not take lightly the fact that the uncertainty of this situation was difficult for many of their patients we’re honored to serve, adding “We felt strongly that it was important to advocate for our patients, and we were able to reach an agreement for 2025 that addresses many of our issues and concerns by improving timely and reliable access to the high-quality care they depend on from Essentia.”
Medicare plan options that are in-network with Essentia include Medica, UCare, EssentiaCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and North Dakota, HealthPartners, Security Health, UHC, traditional Medicare, and Medicare supplemental plans.
Patients with questions are invited to speak with an Essentia representative by calling (800) 985-4675 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
It’s important to note that this update does not impact patients covered by Humana’s Medicare Advantage plan. As it had originally announced, Essentia will be out-of-network for Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.
SEE NOW: Minnesota Residents Being Warned Not To Travel To These Locations
Essentia Health has 14 hospitals, 80 clinics, 29 retail pharmacies, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, seven ambulance services, and one research institute.
Essentia has about 15,500 employees, including 2,350 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care serving patients in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
CHECK IT OUT: See the 100 most popular brands in America
QUIZ: Can you identify 50 famous companies by their logos?
How well do you know the logos of 50 of the world’s most famous companies? Keep scrolling to see if you can guess which icon belongs to which brand.
