SSM Health and United Healthcare reached a temporary agreement today (Wednesday) that prevents more than 140,000 patients from losing in-network access at SSM Health hospitals and clinics.
The two sides signed a 30-day letter of agreement on Wednesday, avoiding a lapse that was set to begin Thursday, Jan. 1, according to a news release from SSM Health. The extension enables both sides to continue contract negotiations, while providing immediate stability for SSM patients as the two sides hope to finalize a multi-year deal soon.
The move comes after weeks of public back-and-forth between the two companies over reimbursement rates and rising health care costs. United Healthcare went through a prolonged negotiation with University of Missouri Healthcare earlier this year.