The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ - St. Joseph’s Healthcare System announced on Monday that its contract with UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Networks expired as of March 1, 2013. The two groups were unable to agree to new contract terms, the announcement said.

St. Joseph’s issued the following information for people covered by the United/Oxford health insurance:

*For emergency care, UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Networks members can always come to St. Joseph’s Healthcare System facilities and United is required to pay as if the patient is in-network.

*For non-emergency or elective services, UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Networks members can always come to St. Joseph’s Healthcare System facilities. They will be billed for charges not covered by United, but be assured, St. Joseph’s intends to pursue United to the fullest extent possible to recover amounts owed to us. St. Joseph’s does not want to penalize or inconvenience its patients because of the dispute with United.

*Patients receiving services at St. Joseph’s as of February 28, 2013, may qualify for “continuity of care” and coverage would continue. UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Networks members should check with United by calling the telephone number on their insurance cards or they may call St. Joseph’s for assistance (see contact information below).

Medigap benefits provided by UnitedHealthcare/Oxford Networks, as coverage secondary to Medicare, is not affected by this contract termination and benefits provided by these policies will continue to be covered, according to the announcement.

Also, the announcement said the contract between St. Joseph’s and the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (NJ Family Care, formerly Americhoice) does not expire until midnight March 31, 2013, and coverage remains unaffected until then.

Questions about insurance coverage and receiving care at St. Joseph’s Healthcare System facilities should be directed to St. Joseph’s at 973.754.2150 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by email at billingquestions@sjhmc.org.