Now
77
Sat
87
Sun
86
by ABC 33/40
TOPICS:
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UnitedHealthcare customers in Alabama may face disruptions in accessing multiple UAB Health System entities and Baptist Health Montgomery if a new agreement is not reached by July 31, 2025. The current health plan contracts between UnitedHealthcare of Alabama, Inc., and various UAB Health System entities, including both commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, are set to expire this summer.
The expiration affects all UAB-owned and affiliated entities, such as UAB Hospital, The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, UAB Medicine clinics, and UAB St. Vincent’s facilities, among others. It also impacts services provided by UAB- and UAB St. Vincent’s-employed physicians, regardless of the care location, including at Children’s of Alabama.
Patients with United insurance will maintain uninterrupted access to these entities through July 31, 2025. However, starting August 1, 2025, if no agreement is reached, United members may be personally responsible for the costs of services rendered at these facilities. Some patients may qualify for continued access under the continuity of care terms offered by their plan.
"We are deeply disappointed that UnitedHealthcare has created this uncertainty for our patients," said UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella. "We will continue to diligently negotiate with United in good faith to reach a reasonable agreement before July 31. Our goal is to remain a participating provider and continue delivering the highest-quality care to the people of Alabama."
Bulgarella encouraged patients and employers to contact United and express the importance of keeping UAB Health System entities in-network. She emphasized UAB's commitment to a sustainable model ensuring continued access to high-quality care, stating, "We cannot accept terms from United that would compromise our ability to serve the patients and communities who depend on us."
UnitedHealthcare reported $14.4 billion in earnings in 2024 and posted a profit of over $6 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Bulgarella noted that these profits come at the expense of policyholders and healthcare providers.
United has faced challenges renewing contracts with hospitals across Alabama and the nation, leading many healthcare providers to alert patients about ongoing disputes. Concerns include below-market reimbursement rates, excessive claim denials, and delayed payments, which threaten providers' ability to deliver timely, high-quality care.
"United’s approach to contract negotiations has already led to breakdowns with numerous providers — and more may follow," Bulgarella said. "Their demands often ignore the economic pressures facing healthcare systems, while their public statements frequently paint an incomplete or misleading picture."
Bulgarella released the following statement Thursday evening:
