Some residents of Louisiana utilizing Medicaid will face changes in the coming year as the state opts not to renew its contract with UnitedHealthcare, a major Medicaid provider. This decision has emerged amid ongoing legal disputes with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who alleges that the company has been overcharging Medicaid recipients for prescription medications.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that the decision follows a ruling from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals, which overturned a previous judgment favoring the state in this matter. Murrill emphasized that UnitedHealthcare, along with CVS, is in violation of state law, and that compliance with these regulations is mandatory for any potential contract extensions. The existing contract is set to expire on December 31.
Currently, there are 333,246 members enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid plan throughout Louisiana. Those affected will automatically be reassigned to one of the five other Medicaid providers operating in the state. In a related note, the state nearly severed ties with Aetna, another significant Medicaid provider, but after discussions, Aetna’s contract was renewed.
Medical professionals are voicing concerns regarding potential disruptions in care. Dr. Courtney Washington, a physician from New Orleans, pointed out that while patients might not lose coverage directly, accessing care could become challenging. “Primary care is one of those specialties where there’s a lot of demand for it,” she explained. Patients who have been seeing their primary care providers through the managed plan may find themselves needing to search for new doctors if their new plan does not include their preferred providers.
Washington advised Medicaid recipients coming from UnitedHealthcare to take proactive measures amid the transition. “Make sure that you are reaching out to your caseworker with Medicaid, and make sure that you have a primary care provider. So if you need refills, you don’t have to wait a couple of months just to see a physician,” she said.
Attorney General Liz Murrill’s stance is clear regarding the situation. She expressed her expectation for companies receiving substantial funds from the state to adhere to the law in order to qualify for contract renewals.
