Federal law protects some Vermonters losing UnitedHealthcare coverage
Burlington Free Press
Vermonters losing health insurance coverage because UnitedHealthcare canceled its contract with the University of Vermont Health Network are protected by a federal law that requires continued care for patients undergoing treatment for conditions such as cancer, as well as those who are pregnant, according to a Vermont regulator.
The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation said last week the No Surprises Act requires health plans to allow patients being treated for "serious and complex conditions" to receive the same benefits, under the same terms and conditions as would have applied if the plan wasn't terminated − for the "full course of treatment furnished by the provider."
Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Kevin Gaffney said Monday he has talked directly to UnitedHealthcare and has "no concern" about their commitment to comply with the No Surprises Act.