Sarah Feldman, 35, received letters warning of a pricing dispute between Mount Sinai Medical and UnitedHealthcare, her insurer. This led to stress and uncertainty for her as she faced the possibility of changing doctors due to the hospital being out-of-network. Contract disputes between hospitals and insurers are increasing, leaving patients at risk of losing coverage for desired providers. State and federal regulators could regulate insurer networks to prevent this. Patients like Erin Moses and Laura Alley have faced unexpected bills and disruptions in care due to provider-insurer disputes. Regulators should ensure contracts are maintained for the full term of patients’ policies.
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