UF Health Flagler and Aetna Reach Deal After 8-Month Standoff – What It Means for Patients
Nearly 10,000 patients in St. Johns and Flagler counties will now see lower health care costs after UF Health Flagler finally reached an agreement with Aetna Inc., ending an eight-month dispute over insurance reimbursements.
Starting this week, UF Health Flagler is back in-network for Aetna’s commercial and Medicare Advantage plans. The deal also covers services from UF Health doctors in both counties.
“We’re pleased to reach fair terms with Aetna,” said Dr. Huson Gilberstadt, chief medical officer at UF Health St. Johns.
Aetna is the third-largest insurer at UF Health Flagler, behind Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare.
Why Did This Take So Long?
Hospitals and insurers nationwide have been locked in tough negotiations due to rising labor costs, inflation, and the end of COVID-era federal funding.
A February report from health policy group KFF found hospital profits have been unstable since 2021. Another study by Kaufmann Hall showed some improvement in 2024—but still below 2021 levels.
This financial pressure has pushed hospitals like UF Health to fight for better insurance reimbursement rates.
One Big Fight Left: UnitedHealthcare
With Aetna settled, UF Health now has only one major insurance battle left—UnitedHealthcare, which has been out of network since September 1.
This standoff affects 75,000 to 100,000 patients across UF Health’s system, which includes hospitals in Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and more.
UF Health says it got a new offer from United in late March and talks are ongoing. Patients hope a deal comes soon.
Related topics:
Arch Insurance International Strengthens Global Risk Team with Promotion of Bart Ouwehand
Qatar Insurance Group Teams Up With Ooredoo to Offer New Digital Insurance Solutions
IRDAI Chairman Proposes Full Foreign Investment in India’s Insurance Sector to Boost Growth
