Protecting our Mission

Important Update

Since this letter was released, some insurance-related date(s) may have changed. Genesis continues to work with insurance companies on potential contract extensions and new agreements. Check this web page periodically for the latest information.

A Letter to Our Neighbors From Genesis HealthCare System

Dear Neighbors,

For more than 130 years, Genesis has been here to serve this community — Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Morgan, Noble and Guernsey counties. Through every generation, our commitment has stayed the same: to be here, and to be excellent, for whoever needs us. That is our Mission.

It is why our doors are always open to care for you. It is why we don’t send patients a “surprise bill” when their insurance company refuses to pay for care that should be covered. And it is why I am writing to you today.

Genesis has told four insurance companies, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio (all three for their Medicare Advantage plans) and CareSource (for both Medicare Advantage and Medicaid), that we are ending our current contracts on Jan. 1, 2027, unless we can reach fair new terms. This does not affect commercial employer-sponsored insurance for working families. This does not affect any traditional Medicare Supplemental/Medigap plans.

This was not our first choice. We reached this decision only after extensive efforts to resolve the issues through existing channels. It was our last resort. Over the past two years, these four companies have denied more and more of the care our doctors determined you needed and Genesis provided. They have taken back payments for care they previously approved and paid for. Today, we are contesting 9,000 active denials of coverage for care we have already provided, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for Genesis. We strongly believe that most of these practices are inconsistent with federal Medicare rules for how care must be covered. Because Genesis will not shift those losses to you through surprise bills, those unpaid costs instead affect Genesis’ ability to continue providing the doctors, nurses, staff and local services our community depends on for excellent care close to home.

We tried every other path first. We had to take this step because we believe the behaviors of these insurance companies are so harmful to our patients, doctors, this community and Genesis. We had no other choice.

Nothing changes for you today. Your coverage is the same through Dec. 31, 2026. Come to your appointments. Come to the emergency room. We are here for you.

What may change on Jan. 1, 2027: If we cannot reach new agreements, these plans will be “out-of-network”
at Genesis for non-emergency care. Emergency care is always covered at an in-network rate. Never hesitate in
an emergency.

Medicare – What you can do this fall: Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is
your yearly, protected right to change plans if you choose. Genesis will host free community sessions, publish a
plain-language guide and answer your questions through our Patient Financial Advocate Hotline at 740-454-4335. We cannot recommend or choose a plan for you, but we will give you clear information and help you find trusted, unbiased support so you can make the choice that is best for you and your family.

Medicaid – What you can do anytime: Medicaid gives patients the right to change insurance companies.
If Genesis is out-of-network with CareSource on Jan. 1, 2027, you can change your plan by contacting the Ohio
Medicaid Consumer Hotline Portal at www.ohiomh.com or call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at
800-324-8680 (TTY 711). It only takes five (5) minutes to switch plans.

Our promises to you:

• We will tell you what we know when we know it, in plain language as discussions continue.
• We will not send you a surprise bill for amounts we believe your insurance company is responsible for paying. To make that promise work, we may need your help during the process, including responding promptly to insurance questions, appeal requests or information needed to protect your coverage and help Genesis pursue payment from your insurance company.
• We will help you appeal wrongful insurance denials — at no charge.
• We will keep serving this community, as we have for 130 years, with compassion, excellence, integrity, teamwork and innovation. These are our Values, and they guide how we care for you every day.

We know this is hard and creates short-term uncertainty. We are simply asking these insurance companies to do what they are already required to do: pay for the care our patients need. If they will, we will gladly renew our contracts. If they will not, we will take the steps necessary to protect the care this community depends on and to remain faithful to our Mission.

Thank you for trusting Genesis with your care and with the care of your loved ones. We do not take that trust for granted, and we will continue working every day to earn it.

In service and gratitude,
 

Matthew Perry
President & Chief Executive Officer
Genesis HealthCare System

Learn more, get help and stay informed. Call our Patient Financial Advocate Hotline at 740-454-4335.

The Genesis Mission: We serve our community by helping each person achieve optimal health and well-being by providing compassionate, exceptional and affordable healthcare services.