Call for Continued Health Care Coverage for Vermonters Enrolled in United Healthcare  

WASHINGTON – Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) sent a letter urging United Healthcare and the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) to reach an agreement for UVMHN to remain in United’s provider network and ensure ongoing health care coverage for Vermonters seeking care through UVMHN. In February, UVMHN announced that they would be removed from United’s provider network in the middle of the 2023 plan year.  

“Without your action, thousands of Vermonters could lose access to their preferred providers, including pediatricians, neurologists, and other specialists that are otherwise unavailable in the large parts of the state served by UVMHN,” the letter read. “Vermonters are depending on both of your organizations to stay at the negotiating table. We are confident that both of your organizations can come to a satisfactory agreement.” 

Contract negotiations between United Healthcare and UVMHN have stalled, placing affordable health care access for thousands of Vermonters in jeopardy. 

UVMHN is home to Vermont’s only tertiary care and level-I trauma center, as well as the state’s only neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric intensive care unit. As a result, United’s decision risks forcing the more than 2,000 Vermonters enrolled in United Healthcare to seek medical care outside the state. 

To read the full text of the letter, please click here.  

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