Johns Hopkins Medicine Ends Contract Talks with UnitedHealthcare Over Treatment Terms

Johns Hopkins Medicine and UnitedHealthcare have ended contract negotiations after eight months without reaching an agreement. Johns Hopkins Medicine initiated the termination of discussions, citing unresolved issues related to contract terms. UnitedHealthcare criticized Johns Hopkins for wanting contract language that would permit selective refusal of treatment to members with certain employer-based plans, a demand UnitedHealthcare found unacceptable. This dispute highlights ongoing challenges in payer-provider negotiations, particularly around network participation and patient access to care within employer-sponsored insurance plans.