MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) -- We are less than a month away from a deadline that could impact thousands of hospital patients across the Gulf Coast.
A contract dispute between USA Health Providence Hospital and UnitedHealthcare could soon impact thousands of patients across the Gulf Coast.
If the two sides can't reach a new agreement by Nov. 14, UnitedHealthcare members will lose in-network coverage at Providence Hospital in Mobile.
This would mean that higher out-of-pocket costs for many patients will begin on Nov. 15.
In a statement to News 5, USA Health said they've been working for months to find a resolution:
"For many months, USA Health has worked to reach a fair agreement with UnitedHealthcare so that patients can continue accessing care without disruption," the statement said.
"Unfortunately, despite USA Health's best efforts, an agreement has not been reached."
However, UnitedHealthcare told News 5 a different story.
In a statement attributed to Michael Wahlstrom, President and CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Alabama, the company said:
"USA Health is demanding a 100% price hike for Providence Hospital that would make it significantly higher cost than any hospital in the market. Consumers and employers would bear the brunt of USA Health's egregious demands."
Both sides say they're committed to reaching a deal, but until that happens, patients remain in limbo, unsure how their coverage could change in just a few weeks.
Providence patients are also under the added pressure of Open Enrollment, which runs through Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026.