Important Update on Your ConnectiCare Insurance Coverage

Right now, nothing changes. You can continue to see your UConn Health doctors, receive services at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, and receive care as you normally would. If an agreement is not reached by April 15, UConn Health will become out-of-network with ConnectiCare, but you will still have in-network access through June 14 due to Connecticut’s mandatory cooling-off period.

We have been working with ConnectiCare for several months to secure a fair contract that adequately covers the true cost of delivering high-quality care. ConnectiCare reimburses UConn Health at a rate that is amongst the lowest when compared to other health systems across the state, despite our excellent quality, safety, and outcomes. As Connecticut’s only public academic medical center, we are committed to continuing our service to this community, and we urge ConnectiCare to prioritize its members’ access to the providers they know and trust.

If an agreement is not reached, UConn Health will be out-of-network with ConnectiCare, meaning your out-of-pocket costs could increase. However, some patients may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits, allowing them to continue treatment at in-network rates for a limited time. Contact ConnectiCare to see if you qualify.

Continuity of Care benefits allow patients to continue receiving care at in-network rates for a period of time, even if their provider is out-of-network with their health insurance company. Typically, patients who are receiving active treatment for a serious or chronic condition, pregnant, already scheduled for a surgery or procedure, undergoing treatment for cancer or another critical illness, and/or receiving behavioral health or substance abuse treatments are eligible to receive Continuity of Care benefits. Contact ConnectiCare by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more.

No, we are continuing to negotiate for a new agreement with ConnectiCare. You will continue to have in-network access through June 14 due to Connecticut’s mandatory “cooling off” period and should continue to seek care with your trusted UConn Health providers as you normally would.

Yes! Emergency care is always covered at in-network rates. If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room, which includes UConn John Dempsey Hospital.

You can help by calling ConnectiCare and letting them know how important it is to keep UConn Health in network. Their phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card.

For more details and updates, call us at 860-679-0199.

We appreciate your trust in us and remain committed to providing you with the highest-quality care.

The following Behavioral Health services will continue to be in network after June 14, 2025, and are not affected by the Optum Behavioral Health contract termination, including:

• Inpatient Care
• ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) services at 263 Farmington Avenue in Farmington
• IOP (Intensive Outpatient) services at 263 Farmington Avenue in Farmington
• All services provided at our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic located at 65 Kane Street in West Hartford, CT

The following Behavioral Health Services will be out of network starting June 15, 2025, at the locations listed below:

• Outpatient Clinic Evaluations
• Consultations
• Individual and Group Therapy

Locations where these services will be out of network:

• Mood and Anxiety Clinic at 300 UConn Health Boulevard in Farmington
• 10 Talcott Notch Road in Farmington
• 263 Farmington Avenue in Farmington/UConn Health Main Building

Patients who are receiving drug therapy services, such as Esketamine or Paliperidone, which are considered medical services and covered under medical benefits offered by ConnectiCare will also be out of network starting on June 15, 2025.

Both ConnectiCare and Optum Behavioral Health are required to offer a Continuity of Care provision, which may allow services to continue as in-network. Approval must be coordinated through the servicing physician and ConnectiCare or Optum Behavioral Health. To learn more or to request Continuity of Care for medical services, contact ConnectiCare by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. To request Continuity of Care for Behavioral Health services or to learn more, contact Optum Behavioral Health by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

Dental services are contracted under a separate agreement and are not affected by our contract negotiations with ConnectiCare. UConn Health would remain in-network for Dental services. Exceptions include Oral Surgery, Oral Radiology, and Oral Pathology. These services are covered under the medical benefit and will be out of network starting on June 15, 2025. ConnectiCare is required to offer a Continuity of Care provision, which may allow services to continue as in-network. Approval must be coordinated through the servicing physician and ConnectiCare. Patients need to initiate the process by calling ConnectiCare at the number on the back of their insurance card. Services not approved for Continuity of Care.