Tift Regional Medical Center and Southwell Medical (TRMC) have extended an in-network participation agreement with United Healthcare Medicare Advantage (UHCMA) until Oct. 31, 2024. TRMC had previously notified UHC that it would exit the Medicare Advantage portion of the agreement effective June 1 due to unresolved issues regarding disputed payments and network participation.

TRMC President/CEO Christopher Dorman said the hospital system agreed to the extension after UHC pledged to dedicate a team to resolve TRMC’s concerns over the next several months.

Dorman said the extension is serving as a trial period to ensure that UHC meets the commitments it made to TRMC. 

“TRMC will notify the public by September 1, 2024 if TRMC and UHCMA have not entered into a new agreement,” said Dorman.  “This will be right before the open enrollment period for Medicare, which begins on Oct. 15, 2024 and ends on Dec. 7, 2024.”

In addition to traditional Medicare, TRMC accepts the following Medicare Advantage insurance plans:  Aetna; Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; Clear Spring Health; Clover Health; Humana; Pruitt Health Premier; and WellCare.

Dorman said TRMC will continue to provide services to UHC Medicare Advantage members, regardless of network participation status.  TRMC will also remain an in-network provider for the UHC commercial plans.

“We are determined to protect access to care and push for what is right to ensure healthcare services remain viable for the next generation.” Dorman added.  “We appreciate the understanding and support of our patients and community.”

For more information, visit www.MySouthwell.com or call 229-353-3352.