Sanford Health issues notice of contract termination with Wellmark, effective mid-2027
The move follows what the health system called seven months “of engaging in good faith negotiations and extensive discussions.” According to Sanford, “Wellmark insists on having sole authority to change key contract terms after an agreement is signed, including terms that affect how patients receive care and how that care is paid for,” the system said in a statement. “Patients are best served when decisions affecting their care, access and affordability are made collaboratively by healthcare providers and insurers. Those decisions should not be controlled solely by an insurance company.” Sanford has been part of Wellmark’s network for decades. “This is unprecedented. This is the first time we’ve had to come to this level of publicity with them,” said Nick Olson, executive vice president, chief financial officer at Sanford Health. “But given members and patients are doing their own…
