Potential Loss of Healthcare Access for 30,000 Patients,
Greenville, Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
Contract negotiations between Bon Secours and UnitedHealthcare are at an impasse, threatening in-network status for healthcare services impacting 30,000 patients if not resolved by July 1, 2025.
Current Status of Negotiations
Bon Secours Health System and UnitedHealthcare are currently engaged in contract negotiations that have hit a deadlock. The contract is set to expire on July 1, 2025. Despite negotiations starting in January 2025, both parties have reached an impasse over financial terms and service contracts involving major health plans. These discussions include commercial, Medicare Advantage, Exchange (Marketplace/ACA), and the Veteran’s Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN) health plans. The failure to reach an agreement threatens the in-network status for 30,000 patients in the Greenville area who rely on UnitedHealthcare insurance for their healthcare needs [1][2].
Impact on Patients and Services
If the negotiations remain unresolved by the expiration of the current contract, Bon Secours providers and facilities may become out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare’s health plans starting July 1, 2025. This impacts Bon Secours hospitals, physicians, urgent care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and other care sites across South Carolina. The affected patients heavily depend on these services, which makes reaching a viable agreement critical for community healthcare access [1][2].
Financial Disagreements and Statements
A major sticking point in the negotiations is Bon Secours’ request for a 32% increase in pricing for their commercial plans over the next three years. UnitedHealthcare argues that this would make these plans among the most expensive within their South Carolina network. Despite repeated offers to extend the current contract to maintain network status while negotiations continue, Bon Secours has declined these offers. Representatives from both organizations have issued statements indicating a desire to find a resolution, though both accuse the other of being inflexible in meeting terms that would keep healthcare affordable for patients [1][2].
Outlook for Healthcare Accessibility
As the July 1, 2025 deadline approaches, there is significant concern regarding the continuity of care for affected patients. Efforts continue from both parties to negotiate terms that align with market standards while addressing escalating healthcare costs. Meanwhile, community stakeholders and patient advocates are voicing concerns about the potential disruption in healthcare services, urging both parties to reach an agreement swiftly to avoid a negative impact on patient health outcomes and regional healthcare stability [1].