Essentia will dump two Medicare plans

As of next year, Essentia Health will no longer accept Medicare Advantage insurance plans administered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

According to a news release, Essentia Health has started to inform patients that it no longer will serve as an in-network provider for Medicare Advantage plans administered by UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Humana, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The release stated that UHC and Humana delay and deny approval of care for patients at more than twice the rate of other Medicare Advantage plans. This can cause unnecessary hardships for many Essentia patients.

“This was not a decision we made lightly,” said Dr. Cathy Cantor, Essentia’s chief medical officer for population health. “The frequent denials and associated delays negatively impact our ability to provide the timely and appropriate care our patients deserve. This is the right thing to do for the people we are honored to serve.”

Those with a UHC or Humana Medicare Advantage plan can choose an alternative option during Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Patients are encouraged to verify that any new plan is in-network with Essentia to prevent gaps in care. Alternative in-network Medicare plan options include Medica, UCare, EssentiaCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and North Dakota, HealthPartners, Security Health, plus traditional Medicare and Medicare supplemental plans.

Essentia is notifying all patients affected by this change and will work with them to ensure continuity of care. Questions? Call 800-985-4675 weekdays 8 a.m.-4:40 p.m. or go online to essentiahealth.org/UnitedHealthcare or essentiahealth.org/Humana.