UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company (NYSE: UNH), and the Erlanger Health System, a five-hospital system in Chattanooga, have signed a new multi-year contract that gives individuals enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as individuals enrolled in the state’s TennCare program and in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, in-network access to all Erlanger facilities and physicians.
Under the renewed relationship, UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare plan participants will continue to have uninterrupted in-network access to the Erlanger Health System, and expectant mothers and children enrolled in the TennCare program regain in-network access effective immediately. The new contract also expands TennCare participation to give adults enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program full access to all Erlanger facilities and physicians beginning March 1, 2015.
“Erlanger values its new comprehensive relationship with UnitedHealthcare and the commitment both organizations are making to improve the health of our community,” said Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE, president and CEO of the Erlanger Health System. “We appreciate the continued trust our patients have placed in us as their health care provider.”
“Erlanger is an important regional provider of health care services, and this renewed relationship lays the foundation for continued collaboration with the hospital and its doctors while helping to shift Chattanooga’s health care system to one that rewards performance and patient outcomes,” said Greg Reidy, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s employer and individual business in Tennessee. “Our continued collaboration gives individuals and families full access to critical health services throughout eastern Tennessee.”