10-07-2025 10:19pm

Mercy Health Alerts Humana Patients as Contract Negotiations Enter New Phase

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Mercy Health, a leading health system in Cincinnati, is alerting patients who have Humana Medicaid and Medicare Advantage health plans that they may lose access to their Mercy Health providers by the end of the year, following months of contract negotiations.

If an agreement is not reached by December 1, Mercy Health hospitals, physicians, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and other care sites in Kentucky will be considered out-of-network for Humana Managed Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members, potentially impacting over 24,600 patients. Access to emergency department services will always be available to patients for covered emergency services, regardless of network status.

“We recognize that patients who rely on Managed Medicaid or Medicare Advantage often face unique challenges and may be among the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Dr. John Luellen, President, Mercy Health—Ohio. “When reimbursement rates are not sustainable and claims are frequently denied, it creates uncertainty and barriers to care for these patients and their families. We remain committed to resolving these negotiations thoughtfully and working to protect our patients from any gaps in their access to care.”

For now, patients can continue to access Mercy Health providers and facilities as they have in the past. Mercy Health remains in-network with all other major health plans. Patients are encouraged to stay informed, explore their coverage options, and contact Humana at the number on the back of their insurance card to learn more about their benefits and what it could mean if Mercy Health becomes out-of-network.

Mercy Health will continue to keep patients informed as negotiations evolve. For more detailed information about Mercy Health providers and facilities that may become out-of-network, visit http://www.mercy.com/humana-updates.

About Mercy Health - Cincinnati

Mercy Health - Cincinnati is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Cincinnati has been serving Greater Cincinnati for more than 160 years and provides an integrated network of leading physicians, compassionate caregivers, comprehensive services and exceptional care at more than 180 locations across the region. The Mercy Health – Cincinnati network of care includes six award-winning hospitals, senior living communities, primary care and specialty physician practices, outpatient centers, fitness centers and a variety of outreach programs. Mercy Health - Cincinnati hospitals have earned national Truven Health Analytics’ 100 Top Hospitals honors more than all other Cincinnati hospitals combined, placing them among the best hospitals in the nation. Truven has also named Mercy Health - Cincinnati as one of the nation’s Top 15 health systems six times, which is more than any other health system in Cincinnati. In2024, BSMH provided more than $500 million dollars in community benefit across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. In addition to charity care, BSMH invests in programs that address chronic illness, affordable housing, access to healthy food, education and wellness programs, transportation support, workforce development and other social determinants and drivers of health that directly affect the communities we serve. The Mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. To learn more visit, mercy.com.