• Broward Health and UnitedHealthcare reached a network agreement on Monday to restore coverage privileges to all Broward Health hospitals, facilities, and physicians
• Going into effect on Nov. 1, the agreement provides in-network pricing models at Broward Health facilities to individuals insured by UnitedHealthcare 
• Medical services at Broward Health were considered out-of-network by UnitedHealthcare between April and November 2022 after negotiation talks fell apart and an agreement was not reached 

Broward Health and UnitedHealthcare reached a multi-year agreement on Monday that restores network access to Broward Health hospitals, facilities, and physicians for UnitedHealthcare members.

Going into effect Nov. 1, the agreement brings Broward Health back into the coverage umbrella for UnitedHealthcare customers following a period of out-of-network status. The agreement also includes coverage for those enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans.

“This is a win for our patients, and we are pleased that we have reached an agreement that will ensure our community and residents have access to the care they need,” said Shane Strum, Broward Health’s president and CEO. “As a safety net healthcare provider, Broward Health relies on fair and equitable reimbursement from our payer partners to ensure we can continue to provide the highest quality care to every patient who comes to us.”

Broward Health facilities were deemed out-of-network between the beginning of April and the present day due to a breakdown in contract negotiations. With today’s agreement, all individuals receiving health insurance from UnitedHealthcare will be able to utilize Broward Health’s services for in-network pricing models.

“Broward Health is an important healthcare provider in Broward County and the surrounding communities,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Florida. “We are pleased to offer the people we serve greater access to quality, affordable care through this new agreement.”

Last week, UnitedHealthcare stated that it is expanding its individual and family plan coverage options in Florida and 21 additional states for 2023.

Expanded offerings include zero-dollar unlimited primary care, a zero-dollar unlimited virtual urgent care, low-cost prescriptions at certain pharmacies, and dental and vision coverage.

Some plans will additionally offer 24/7 virtual visits for urgent, primary, and specialty care in English and Spanish at no additional cost to those with comprehensive coverage plans.

UnitedHealth began offering health insurance coverage options to Floridians in 2022, alongside six other states. The group also broke into the Medicare Advantage market, partnering with the University of Florida to establish a network relationship across the university’s 10 medical facilities.

In Florida, UnitedHealthcare presently serves 1.2 million people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with a network of more than 240 hospitals and approximately 74,000 physicians and other care providers statewide.