Humana and CommonSpirit Health have reached a three-year agreement that will keep the health system in-network across all 24 states it serves.
The arrangement came together after "nearly a year of collaborative and transparent discussions with Humana," according to an announcement issued on Monday. In addition to maintaining network access where it currently exists, the agreement also reestablishes CommonSpirit's relationship with Humana in parts of Colorado and Texas.
As healthcare costs continue to rise across the board, payer and provider contract negotiations have become increasingly contentious and increasingly public. In Medicare Advantage in particular, multiple providers have dropped out of payer networks due to reimbursement.
Harpreet Cheema, senior vice president of payer strategy and analytics at CommonSpirit Health, said in the press release that the arrangement "reflects our commitment to our Medicare Advantage patients, ensuring they can continue to see their trusted doctors and receive vital care within their own community.”
“From the beginning, our goal has always been to safeguard our patients' ability to access the essential health services they rely on,” Cheema said.
CommonSpirit said in the announcement that, given the cost pressures impacting the entire healthcare system, it's critical for the Medicare Advantage program to work "effectively and efficiently" for the members it serves. With that backdrop, the system said it's actively engaged in strengthening MA to support its patients.
Caraline Coats, senior vice president of provider strategy and operations at Humana, said in the announcement that the partnership "reflects our shared focus on supporting better health outcomes and a dependable, patient-centered experience.”
“Humana is committed to ensuring our members have uninterrupted access to the care and providers they rely on most,” Coats said. “We are pleased to reach this agreement with CommonSpirit Health so the individuals we serve can continue receiving high-quality, trusted care in their communities."