Continued Insurance Plan Evaluation Leads to Termination of Humana MA
In the best interest of patients, Midland-based health system MyMichigan Health will end participation with Humana Medicare Advantage (MA) in January 2025. The decision comes following an extensive evaluation process of current health insurance offerings, which also included the recent announcement of MyMichigan ending its Aetna MA participation.
“We fully understand the impact a decision such as this can have on patients and their families, but unfortunately some of the impacts to patient care, such as lengthy authorization processes, scheduling barriers and high denial rates, have begun to outweigh the benefits,” said Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health. “Nationwide, health systems just like ours have been carefully evaluating their insurance contracts and making these same decisions. Health insurance should not stand in the way of giving our patients the excellent care they deserve. We need health plan providers that will be our partners in caring for our patients, not serve as an obstacle.”
Patients impacted are being notified by letter which contains resources for them to consider an alternative health insurance plan that is in-network for MyMichigan services. Patients can select a new plan for 2025 during the Medicare open enrollment period occurring now through Dec. 7, 2024.
“We realize there are a number of health plans patients can choose. Regardless of insurance coverage, we have and will continue to provide care to all patients,” continued Dr. Watson. “However, it’s important patients know that as this Humana MA plan phases out between January 2025 and July 2025, those who choose to remain on the plan may encounter increased out-of-pocket costs for care and services at our facilities as we will be considered out-of-network for this plan.”
Patients who have appointments or procedures scheduled in 2025 are reminded to check their 2025 Medicare plan coverage network to make sure MyMichigan is in network and contact their insurance company directly for questions about coverage.
“Before you make your final insurance coverage choice, it’s critical to confirm whether any doctors and other providers you especially want to see next year, a procedure or test you are planning on, or specific medicines that are working for you, are in the provider networks and on the prescription plan of every option open to you,” added Dr. Watson.
Patients can work with MyMichigan financial counselors, their employer or local insurance agent to fully explore options and identify the plan that best meets the needs of themselves and their family. Additional information can be found online with the Medicare Plan Compare Tool and Michigan Medicare Assistance Program at http://www.mmapinc.org
“We want our patients to be able to focus on healthy living and not have to constantly worry about whether their insurance plan will cover a routine test, check-up or even an emergency,” concluded Dr. Watson. “That’s why taking some time now to make the right choice for the health of both you and your family is important.”
MyMichigan’s partners at Michigan Medicine offer an educational article on understanding health insurance and what factors to consider during open enrollment. The article can be viewed at www.michiganmedicine.org
Those interested in contacting a MyMichigan Health financial counselor may call (844) 832-1956 or email patient-financial-services@mymichigan.org. Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those with benefit-related questions about obtaining out-of-network services, should contact their employer or insurance agent.
