Optum Behavioral Health

You can continue to see your UConn Health behavioral health providers and receive care as you normally would for all visits scheduled through June 14, 2025. If an agreement is not reached by June 14, UConn Health will become out-of-network with Optum Behavioral Health for patients insured through ConnectiCare, United Healthcare, Oxford Health, and Harvard Pilgrim.

We have been working with Optum Behavioral Health for several months to secure a fair contract that adequately covers the true cost of delivering high-quality care. Optum Behavioral Health reimburses UConn Health at a rate that is among 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 Optum Behavioral Health 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 Optum Behavioral Health, meaning your out-of-pocket costs could increase.

All appointments should be kept as scheduled through June 14, 2025. We continue to negotiate for a new agreement with Optum Behavioral Health. You will continue to have in-network access through June 14 and should continue to seek care with your trusted UConn Health behavioral health providers as you normally would.

UConn Health is canceling Optum Behavioral Health patient appointments scheduled after June 14 at affected locations. As of that date, we will be considered out-of-network with Optum Behavioral Health. Visits will no longer be covered at in-network rates, potentially increasing your out-of-pocket costs.

You will maintain in-network coverage through June 14. If an agreement is not reached by that date and you wish to seek care at UConn Health after June 14, please contact your healthcare insurance carrier to inquire about your out-of-network benefits., Seeking care at UConn Health using your out-of-network benefits may result in changes to your costs. If you choose to proceed with higher-cost care using your out-of-network benefits, you may call UConn Health to reschedule your appointment – please inform our scheduling staff of your decision to use your out-of-network benefits.

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

• Mood and Anxiety Clinic at 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• Integrated Psychiatry at 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• Interventional Psychiatry at 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• Neuropsychological Testing at 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• Talcott Psychiatry at 10 Talcott Notch Road, Farmington
• Behavioral Health Support Services (behavioral health visits provided in the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center) at the Outpatient Pavilion, 1st and 4th Floors, 135 Dowling Way, Farmington

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

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at 65 Kane Street, West Hartford
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Services at Main Building, 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Silver Sage at Main Building, 300 UConn Health Boulevard, Farmington
• All internal medicine, geriatric, and neurology clinics where behavioral health services are provided
• Storrs Psychiatry at One Royce Circle, Suite 104, Storrs

In very limited circumstances, you may be eligible for Continuity of Care if you are in active treatment and finding an alternate in-network provider is not available. To request Continuity of Care or to learn more, contact the behavioral health services number on the back of your insurance card.

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 your health insurance carrier and letting them know how important it is to keep UConn Health in the Optum Behavioral Health network. Their phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card.

For more details and updates, call us at 860-679-6700.

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