Saint Francis Health System now participating in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage network

Saint Francis Health System and UnitedHealthcare have established a new network relationship, giving Oklahomans enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in-network access to Saint Francis’ hospitals, providers, facilities and services for the first time. Saint Francis and UnitedHealthcare have a previously established network relationship for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial health plans.

The agreement, which went into effect on Jan. 1, provides UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members with access to quality and affordable care — and gives seniors an additional option as they choose which health plan best meets their healthcare needs during the current Medicare Advantage open enrollment period.

“We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to welcoming UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage members into the Saint Francis system. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with insurance companies, like UnitedHealthcare, on ways both parties can better serve their members,” said Cliff Robertson, M.D., president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System.

In Oklahoma, UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage network includes nearly 100 hospitals and approximately 6,000 physicians and other care providers statewide. The new relationship extends that reach.

“Our new relationship with Saint Francis offers the people we serve throughout Oklahoma greater access to quality, cost-effective care,” said Kurt Heumann, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in Oklahoma. “We are grateful for the collaborative relationships we share with care providers like Saint Francis who are committed to improving the quality and cost of care.”

Cliff added, “Our focus is on moving the needle on health care value, quality and equity — we set high standards for ourselves and expect the same from organizations we partner with. We hope this new relationship with UnitedHealthcare will be another step in the right direction to help improve the health status of our state and the lives of people that live here.”

Saint Francis is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system wholly owned and operated in Tulsa, Okla. The health system is anchored by Saint Francis Hospital, a 1,100-bed tertiary center, which includes a 162-bed Children’s Hospital with the region’s only level IV neonatal intensive care unit, a 168-bed heart hospital and Tulsa’s leading trauma and emergency center. This facility has been ranked as the best hospital in Oklahoma and high performing in 11 conditions/procedures by U.S. News and World Report for six years in a row.

The system also includes Saint Francis Hospital South, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, Saint Francis Hospital Vinita, Saint Francis Glenpool and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital — a 90-bed private, psychiatric facility recognized nationally for its eating disorders program. Additionally, Saint Francis employs more than 600 physicians and advanced practice providers through the Warren Clinic, which serves the region with over 90 locations throughout eastern Oklahoma.

To further Saint Francis’ commitment to integrated healthcare delivery, it also operates a home care division, which includes hospice, home health and durable medical equipment companies. In total, the organization has more than 10,500 employees, making it the largest private employer in eastern Oklahoma.