Union Health and UnitingCare Qld Update
You may have heard reports that UnitingCare QLD hospitals have moved to terminate their funding agreements with Union Health.
These hospitals include; The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital, and St Stephen’s Hospital and Hervey Bay Hospital.
It is important to note that:
- The current contracted arrangements remain in place until November 20, 2024.
- Union Health remains hopeful that agreeable terms can be met and the funding agreement extended past November 20, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you are still covered under your Union Health policy for any currently booked, eligible procedures or ongoing treatments. This coverage will continue to be in place for at least six months after 20 November 2024.
Your coverage for pre-booked eligible procedures and ongoing treatments at UnitingCare Qld hospitals will remain in effect for at least six months following the contract termination date of 20 November 2024.
As a not-for-profit, member-owned health fund, Union Health is committed to providing affordable and high-quality services to our members. We are trying to avoid large premium increases to keep health insurance affordable for everyone.
Union Health, through the Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA), has agreements with over 500 private hospitals across Australia, including many quality hospitals in Queensland. These agreements ensure that our members can continue to receive the care they need without facing significant out-of-pocket expenses.
After 20 November 2024, if you choose to book in treatment at a UnitingCare Qld hospital, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs due to the termination of our contract with them. However, you have the option to seek treatment at any of the other private hospitals within our network where you can receive care with minimal financial impact.
Union Health, in collaboration with AHSA, continues to make every effort to negotiate in good faith with UnitingCare Qld. We remain hopeful of reaching a reasonable agreement.
Our priority is to keep your health insurance affordable. By resisting the substantial cost increases requested by UnitingCare Qld, we aim to protect our members from larger premium increases, ensuring that your health insurance remains accessible and affordable.
Yes, you will still be covered under your Union Health policy for any eligible procedures in this instance. For any pre-booked admissions that are made prior to midnight of the 20th November 2024, you will be covered.
