United Healthcare change could leave Torrington residents without medical care

CT Insider – Monday, March 3, 2025
By Kurt Moffett

TORRINGTON — People insured by United Healthcare — including those whose doctors are affiliated with Charlotte Hungerford Hospital — may face higher costs or have to travel farther to see a different medical professional for treatment because of a contract dispute between the insurer and the provider.

Earlier this month, United Healthcare sent letters to its members warning them that its contract with Hartford Healthcare ends at midnight March 31. That would mean as of April 1, doctors who are part of Hartford Healthcare would no longer be in United’s network, resulting in higher costs for patients, according to a United Healthcare spokesman.

It’s the latest example of similar deadline negotiation tactics by insurance companies in the state.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a partner of Hartford Healthcare, as are all of its affiliated doctors, practitioners, and specialists. It is the only hospital in Torrington and draws patients from multiple towns in Litchfield County.

In the letter, United advises that members should find another provider, including the Yale New Haven Health System and Trinity Health of New England. It also lists six in-network hospitals, with Bristol Hospital being the closest at a half-hour drive from Torrington.

Joel Sekorski, director of services for the elderly in Torrington, said one couple has expressed their concerns to him about insurance coverage for their medical care. He said he counseled them to talk to a professional broker.

“It’s very stressful for people when you get told that your primary doctors and your specialists are now going to be out of network because of insurance fighting,” he said.

This is not the first time health insurance companies and providers have struggled to reach an agreement. Actually, it’s quite common, according to Sean King, general counsel for the state Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

It happened in 2017 between United Health Care and Hartford Health Care. Last fall, Aetna had a lengthy negotiation with Trinity Health, which owns Saint Mary Hospital in Waterbury, that came down to the wire.

King said the office has received a significant number of calls from people concerned about their coverage. The office provides them with options but there’s no reason to panic just yet.

“There’s still time,” he said.

If United Health Care and Hartford Health Care do not meet the March 31 deadline, people enrolled in commercial plans by either UHC or its Oxford subsidiary would still have access, but only to HHC’s hospitals, through May 31.

The battle is largely over money. Both sides say they are trying to keep prices affordable for their members, while health care costs continue to rise.

“HHC is seeking a near 20% price hike for our commercial plans over the next three years and a significant rate increase for our Medicare Advantage plans,” UHC spokesman Cole Manbeck said in a statement. “HHC’s proposal would increase health care costs by $186 million. Our top priority is to reach an agreement that is affordable for consumers and employers. We hope HHC shares our commitment and works with us to provide Connecticut families access to affordable care.”

Hartford Health Care claims United Health Care is offering its hospitals and physicians rates that simply do not cover its cost increases and would impact its future operations. Hartford Health Care points out that UnitedHealth Group, which includes UHC as a business, last year recorded net revenues of $400.3 billion, up $28.7 billion over 2023, and total net earnings of $15.2 billion.

“We are very aware of the impact negotiations have on the communities and patients we serve,” Hartford Health Care spokesman Tina Varona said in a statement. “We are working diligently to resolve remaining issues to ensure a mutually agreeable contract and believe we can reach a resolution soon.”

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