What this Means for Employers

WakeMed understands that consumers and employers do not want to pay more for health care—and neither does WakeMed. Unfortunately, with WakeMed out of network with UHC, your employees have no choice but to use higher-cost hospitals and physicians in the Triangle. This means both the employer and the member are paying more – often significantly more – for comparable services than what WakeMed has asked UHC to pay. In many cases, this results in a higher total cost of care for identical or comparable procedures.

WakeMed is the Triangle’s Value Leader

WakeMed is the value leader in the Triangle, providing high-quality care at lower costs as compared to our local competitors. Redirecting care away from WakeMed does not reduce costs – it increases them.

We encourage employers to ask UHC a simple question: How does excluding a lower cost, high quality provider, and shifting utilization to higher-priced hospitals, reduce overall health care spending?

UHC’s publicly reported data (as of November 2025) demonstrates that WakeMed offers a significant cost savings across a broad range of services as compared to other Triangle-area hospitals with a state-designated Trauma Center. The data below illustrates the savings employers and members benefit from by seeking care at WakeMed.

These comparisons are based on UHC’s own publicly reported, machine-readable pricing data and reflect consistent patterns across a broad set of services.

While we remain committed to negotiating in good faith with UHC, we are disappointed with the way in which they have chosen to publicly misrepresent our negotiations and proposals. Public statements that reference large percentage increases in isolation lack critical context, including historic underpayment, differences in service mix, and how WakeMed’s proposed rates compare to what UHC already pays other health systems in this market.

While our latest proposals do include an increase in reimbursement, WakeMed’s rates would remain below those of similar, Trauma Center-designated hospitals in the Triangle, even after adjustment. Our goal is not parity—it is fair, sustainable reimbursement that reflects the true cost of delivering medically necessary care and preserves access for our community.

UHC may continue to mischaracterize WakeMed’s rate request using exaggerated increases stated in percentage terms. These unsubstantiated comments are intended to scare employers and members, create concern, or generate confusion around costs.

WakeMed remains fully committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement that ensures UHC members have access to high quality, lower cost care. Our goal is not higher prices—it is fair reimbursement that reflects the true cost of delivering medically necessary services and supports the long term health of the community we serve.

Updated April 8, 2026