Pinellas News
Pinellas commission urging quick end to UHC- BayCare impasse
TBO.com
Published: December 5, 2012
The Pinellas County Commission is urging UnitedHealthcare and BayCare Health System to come to a "timely resolution" in the companies' ongoing contract impasse.Published: December 5, 2012
Commissioners, other local elected officials and business leaders will hold a news conference Friday to implore the sides to quickly end the dispute.
The insurance contract between BayCare and UHC expired last month. The impasse affects about 400,000 Tampa Bay area residents, including county employees.
"As UnitedHealthcare customers, we share the same concerns about the withdrawal of BayCare Health System from the network and the impact it has on our employees and community," Commissioner Chairman John Morroni said in the news release.
BayCare includes 11 area hospitals, nine imaging centers, four ambulatory surgery centers, five specialized centers and about 300 physicians.
"Many thousands of people in our community are experiencing a disruption of their health care coverage and face an uncertain economic future in one of the most personal and sensitive areas of their lives," the news release said.
In the release, the county asked both companies to agree to a statement of principles during negotiations:
The news conference is scheduled 10 a.m. at the county courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater.