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[June 15, 2000 ]
Contract negotiations between Aetna U.S. Healthcare/Prudential HealthCare and Sutter Health System have been successful. The contract was signed by both parties late yesterday, June 14, 2000.
Two weeks ago, as contract deadlines approached, Aetna U.S. Healthcare notified the affected membership—over 5,000 UC employees, annuitants, and their family members—of the pending termination. Members were asked to call UC Care and select a new primary care physician (PCP) from a non-Sutter medical group, or new PCPs would be assigned by the plan.
Meanwhile, in hopes of reaching a settlement, Aetna has not automatically assigned new PCPs to UC Care members. However, members who called UC Care to change their PCPs should call again to switch back if they do not want the change to occur. Member Services staff found it impossible to separate these requests from routine PCP requests. Members should call UC Care (1-800-313-3804) to make this change, or with any questions.
Judith W. Boyette, Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Benefits, expressed her concern over the stressful experience of the affected members during the past two weeks. "The notice that Aetna U.S. Healthcare sent to UC Care members, asking them to choose a new PCP, was necessary, given the lateness of negotiations. But it is truly unfortunate that agreement could not have been found sooner, and our members spared this trying experience," says Boyette. "Now, of course, we are deeply relieved that the negotiations have ended successfully."
Boyette continues, "These are tumultuous times in the health care world. We are making greater efforts to minimize, for our members, the impact of that turmoil in the future."