Patients worry as Duke Health, UnitedHealthcare contract set to expire [Video]

Duke University Health System and UnitedHealthcare are locked in contract negotiations with just days remaining on their current deal.

That means 172,000 Duke Health patients with United insurance could lose coverage with their doctor on Nov. 1, 2024, when the contract between the two sides expires.

One of those patients Durham resident Grace Sweeney. Surgery is her last option to fix painful problems with her back.

“I [have to] get the operation. It’s a matter of walking and being comfortable,” Sweeney told 5 On Your Side. “I have no choice.”

How that surgery would be paid for, suddenly became a big question mark when Sweeney got a letter from Duke alerting her to the United contract situation.

Sweeney had just scheduled surgery for Nov. 6, meaning if her hospital and insurer don’t reach a deal soon, Sweeney’s scheduled surgery would be out-of-network.

When she called United to find out more …