Why did Saint Luke’s Health System give United Healthcare termination notice so far in advance?
In order to help brokers, benefits consultants, and affected employers best serve their clients and employees, Saint Lukes Health System gave termination notice July 25, 2008. The goal is to help Kansas City and surrounding communities plan ahead so patients may proactively make choices to avoid confusion when their Saint Lukes care moves from in-network to out-of-network on March 1, 2009.This advance notice is also intended to help brokers and benefits consultants work with their clients immediately as they are considering their budget and health plan options for 2009 and beyond. There is no immediate need for a Saint Lukes patient currently enrolled with United Healthcare to select a different physician or change hospital preference. Saint Lukes Health System attempted to negotiate a contract with United Healthcare during 2007 and thus far in 2008. Coming to terms would have assured Uniteds enrollees and Saint Lukes patients continuity of their in-network care. United did not favorab
