An update regarding our contract with Habersham Medical Center
NGHS has inaccurately communicated that Habersham Medical Center will be out of network as of July 1 for people enrolled in employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans following NGHS’ acquisition of the facility. This is false.
We want to ensure our members have the following facts regarding our relationship with Habersham Medical Center.
UnitedHealthcare has a separate and direct agreement with Habersham Medical Center that is not impacted by the NGHS acquisition or NGHS leaving our network
UnitedHealthcare’s contract with Habersham Medical Center requires continued network status for people enrolled in employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans on and after July 1, regardless of the pending acquisition by NGHS.
We will continue to process members’ claims as in-network for services received at Habersham Medical Center on July 1 and after
In the event Habersham Medical Center refuses to provide non-emergent services to the Georgians we serve, our members should call the number on their health plan ID card so we can assist them in finding another provider.
We have several hospitals in the area that continue to participate in our network, ensuring members continue to have access to the care they need. Hospitals remaining in our network in the area include but are not limited to:
- Mountain Lakes Medical Center
- St. Mary’s Hospital
- Stephens County Hospital
- Northside Hospital Forsyth
It’s unfortunate that NGHS is attempting to use the people of Habersham County as pawns in our negotiation in an effort to pressure us to accept the unsustainable rate increases it is seeking at its other hospitals
We suggest NGHS engage in meaningful negotiation and provide a proposal Georgians can afford rather than spending its time attempting to disrupt patients’ access to care from providers participating in our network.