STATE HAS PLANS IN PLACE FOR MEDICAID CLIENTS IF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN UNITED HEALTHCARE AND NEMOURS ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 10, 2014) - United Healthcare Community Plan and Nemours Health Systems are in contract negotiations. If the negotiations are not successful, the State has plans in place to ensure that children who are members of Delaware's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans and are being treated by Nemours doctors can continue to see those doctors.

Specifically, families will have the option of changing their managed care organization and keeping their current Nemours health care provider. The State will ensure that families receive the services they need and avoid disruption in their children's health care.

The changeover could begin as soon as March 1, 2014.

"The State will be very disappointed in both Nemours and United Healthcare if they cannot resolve their contract dispute," Lt. Gov. Matt Denn said. "We have spent considerable time working with both of them to resolve their dispute, and it is in the interest of Delaware's children that they do so. But one way or another, we will ensure that children in our Medicaid and CHIP plans can continue to see Nemours physicians."

Through Delaware's Medicaid and CHIP programs, more than 33,000 children are served by United Healthcare Community Plan.

"We know this kind of change will cause concern for the families we serve," DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "Our first hope is that Nemours and United Healthcare can resolve their differences and no transition will be needed. But if a change is necessary, we are prepared to help Delaware children and their families served by Medicaid and CHIP in every way we can."

United Healthcare has been a managed care organization for Delaware's Medicaid program since 2007.

"Our utmost priority is making sure that there is no disruption in services for Delaware children served by our Medicaid and CHIP programs," said Steve Groff, director of DHSS' Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. "No family should have to worry about continuity of care, especially when their child is sick, injured or managing a chronic illness."

If families have questions, they may call Medicaid's Health Benefits Manager at 1-800-996-9969. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.