Bon Secours, UnitedHealthcare Negotiations Risk Patient Care Disruption

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bon Secours and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) are currently in negotiations regarding contracts that are set to expire on July 1, 2025. Bon Secours representatives stated on Monday that they have been seeking to renew their agreement with UHC since January, but both parties remain far apart on key terms.

The contracts under negotiation cover various health plans, including commercial plans, Medicare Advantage, and the Veteran’s Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN). Bon Secours estimates that the outcome could affect approximately 30,000 patients in the Greenville area.

In a statement, Bon Secours said, “If an agreement can’t be reached before July 1, Bon Secours providers and facilities may become out of network for patients on any of the UnitedHealthcare health plans mentioned.” This includes Bon Secours hospitals, physicians, urgent care centers, and other healthcare sites across South Carolina.

Matt Caldwell, president of Bon Secours Greenville market, expressed concern over UHC’s engagement, stating, “Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare leaders have thus far refused to engage directly with Bon Secours leadership to find a path forward. This unwillingness to collaborate threatens to disrupt care for thousands of patients who depend on Bon Secours for everything from primary care to surgery.”

UHC responded to inquiries, asserting that Bon Secours is demanding a nearly 32% increase in prices for their commercial plans over the next three years, alongside significant rate hikes for Medicare Advantage plans, which would make them the most expensive in UHC’s South Carolina network. UHC emphasized their desire for an agreement that is affordable for South Carolina families and employers.

If negotiations remain unresolved, certain UnitedHealthcare plans associated with Bon Secours physicians and hospitals will become out of network on specified dates, impacting both Medicare Advantage and commercial plans. UHC also noted they had proposed extending the current contract, which Bon Secours reportedly declined.

Despite the looming contract issues, Bon Secours assured that they will continue providing emergency care to all patients and will remain in-network with other major commercial insurance providers in South Carolina.

As this situation unfolds, both Bon Secours and UHC are committed to finding a resolution that serves the interests of patients. WYFF News 4 will monitor the developments closely.