St. Bernards Healthcare in Arkansas is Out-of-Network

Despite months of repeated efforts, we were unable to reach an agreement with St. Bernards Medical Center in Arkansas.

As a result, St. Bernards Medical Center is out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, as well as VA Community Care Network (VACCN) plans, effective May 1, 2024. 

• Five Rivers Medical Center remains out-of-network, effective April 1, 2024.
• St. Bernards Healthcare Associated Regional Providers (SHARP) physician hospital organization (PHO) also remains out-of-network, effective March 1, 2024.
• If we are unable to reach an agreement, Crossridge Community Hospital will be out-of-network, effective January 1, 2025.

SHARP’s physician hospital organization (PHO) is out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, as well as VA Community Care Network (VACCN) plans, effective March 1, 2024.

We have secured separate, direct contracts with several physicians affiliated with SHARP, to ensure that our members have continued, uninterrupted access to their existing providers. Our priority is to ensure the members and customers we serve in the Jonesboro region have access to the care they need through a robust network of providers.

This negotiation impacts people enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, as well as VA Community Care Network (VACCN) plans.

Members enrolled in our Medicare Advantage PPO plans with out-of-network benefits may continue to receive care at a St. Bernards hospital or from a St. Bernards provider, if the provider is Medicare-approved and accepts the plan.

The member’s share of the cost is typically the same as if the provider was part of the network. Members are encouraged to speak with the provider to confirm they will provide care, regardless of their network status.

We have also secured separate, direct contracts with several of SHARP’s physicians to ensure that our members have continued access to their existing providers. Our priority is to ensure the members and customers we serve in the Jonesboro region have access to the care they need through a robust network of providers.

For support finding in-network physicians, members can call the customer care number on their health plan ID card or visit their plan’s website: 

• myuhc.com
• myuhcmedicare.com
• retiree.uhc.com for Group Retiree plans

In the event of an emergency, UnitedHealthcare members should go to the nearest hospital. Emergency care will be covered at the in-network benefit level, regardless of whether the hospital participates in our network.

It’s unfortunate that St. Bernards is unwilling to engage in discussions and is refusing to work with us to reach an agreement that is affordable and in the best interests of families and employers in Arkansas.

UnitedHealthcare remains open and committed to engaging in productive, good-faith negotiations with St. Bernards.

Our network teams, in conjunction with provider relations and payment integrity teams, have been met with St. Bernards over the past several months to address and resolve open administrative, operational, claims, and policy issues and concerns.

Throughout our negotiation, we submitted numerous proposals to St. Bernards and requested an extension to avoid member disruption. To date, St. Bernards has refused to provide us with a single formal proposal, and it has rejected our multiple requests to extend our current contract, which would have allowed both organizations additional time to negotiate while avoiding any disruption to care for our members.

We urge St. Bernards to work with us to reach an agreement so that our members have continued access to St. Bernards’ hospitals and providers.

We understand and appreciate how disruptive it can be for our members and their families when a hospital or provider no longer participates in our network. Our priority is to ensure our members have access to the care they need through a robust network of providers and hospitals, including:

• NEA Baptist
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• ARCARE
• 1^st Choice Healthcare

We have also secured separate, direct contracts with several of SHARP’s physicians to ensure that our members have continued access to their existing providers.

For support finding in-network providers, members can call the customer care number on their health plan ID card or visit their plan’s website: 

• myuhc.com
• myuhcmedicare.com
• retiree.uhc.com for Group Retiree plans

UnitedHealthcare members who are in the middle of treatment at a St. Bernards hospital or from a St. Bernards SHARP provider may qualify for continuity of care, which provides continued in-network benefits for a specified period of time after a hospital or physician leaves our network. Examples of patients who may qualify include:

• Women who are pregnant (second or third trimester) through six weeks post-delivery
• Patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer, or those currently in active cancer treatment

Members enrolled in our Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans may continue to receive care at a St. Bernards hospital or from a St. Bernards SHARP provider, if the provider is Medicare-approved and accepts the plan.

• The member’s share of the cost is typically the same as if the provider was part of the network
• Members should call the customer care number on their health plan ID card to confirm their plan benefits and coverage

UnitedHealthcare members should always go to the nearest hospital in the event of an emergency. Their services will be covered at the in-network benefit level, regardless of whether the hospital participates in UnitedHealthcare’s network.

For support finding in-network physicians, members can call the customer care number on their health plan ID card or visit their plan’s website:

• myuhc.com
• myuhcmedicare.com
• retiree.uhc.com for Group Retiree plans