Ascension Florida’s primary goal has always been to provide the highest quality care and the best possible experience for our patients. Unfortunately, Centene Medicare Advantage plans have presented challenges that impact our ability to consistently provide the quality of care we strive for. Ending these contracts will allow us to focus more on enhancing patient care without the constraints and limitations imposed by Centene’s plan structures.
 

Medicare Advantage used to offer some of the most reliable and accessible coverage options. However, over time, we've seen an increase in denials, pre-authorization requirements, and other challenges that can delay or complicate access to care. While Centene has presented some of the biggest challenges, we are also working to address similar issues with other Medicare Advantage plans.

All Centene health insurance contracts for Ascension Florida facilities and providers expire on December 31, 2024, which means we would be considered an out-of-network provider for patients with Centene insurance as of January 1, 2024.

All Centene Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. This change will not affect patients with Centene Medicaid or Ambetter insurance plans.

All Ascension Florida facilities and providers are impacted by this negotiation.

Patients should always go to the closest emergency room if they’re experiencing any type of emergency. Patients will always have in-network access to our emergency departments, regardless of network status with Centene, until they are stable and can independently determine if they would like to be transferred to an alternate facility to be covered under in-network rates for the duration of their care.

Certain conditions, such as care for chronic or complex illnesses, may be eligible for Continuity of Care which would provide approved patients the opportunity to continue seeing their current care team at in-network rates for a certain period, even if Ascension Florida is out of network with Centene. Patients must apply for Continuity of Care through Centene, and Centene will review and approve or deny those applications on a case-by-case basis.

This change does not impact in-network status for the remainder of 2024 and you can continue to access care at Ascension Florida as you normally would.
 

Ascension Florida will no longer be “in-network” with Centene Medicare Advantage health insurance plans as of January 1, 2025. This means services at our facilities will be considered out-of-network under your current Centene plan, which may affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Talk to your broker about your options. To receive in-network coverage at Ascension Florida next year, you will want to choose a new health plan during the open enrollment period beginning October 15, 2024. Ascension Florida is in-network with the following plans:

• Aetna Medicare Advantage
• Alignment Healthcare Florida Medicare Advantage
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare Advantage
• Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage
• Gold Kidney Health Plan Medicare Advantage
• Humana Medicare Advantage
• Independent Living Systems Medicare Advantage
• Longevity Health Plan Medicare Advantage
• Traditional fee-for-service Medicare
• United Health Medicare Advantage