Mount Sinai reaches deal with UnitedHealthcare, hospital says

NEW YORK -- Mount Sinai says it has reached a deal with UnitedHealthcare, restoring in-network access for thousands of patients effective immediately.

A contract dispute temporarily forced patients covered by United insurance to seek other options.

In a statement, Mount Sinai Health System CEO Brendan Carr said:

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that puts patients first and will ensure their continued access to the care they deserve. This is a win for our patients and for our providers, who have worked tirelessly to provide outstanding care during this uncertain time. 

"Since this negotiation began, our goals have been simply to protect patient access and to be compensated fairly for the care we provide. It is imperative that systems like ours receive fair reimbursements in order to carry out our mission and ensure we can continue to deliver the services our patients depend upon. We are and will remain the best value for high-quality healthcare in the region. 

"We deeply appreciate the trust patients have placed in us and we look forward to welcoming them back to Mount Sinai." 

Mount Sinai officials say the new contract will provide certainty for the next four years.

UnitedHealthcare released the following statement:

"UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai Health System have agreed to a new multi-year contract that restores network access to the health system's hospitals for people enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual plans, including the Oxford Health Plan, effective immediately.

"The agreement also ensures continued access to Mount Sinai's physicians.

"We thank our members and customers for their support and patience throughout this process and are honored to continue supporting all of the people throughout New York who depend on us for access to quality and affordable health care."