Standing up for patients in our negotiations with Wellmark
Last updated [date]
Sanford Health and Wellmark have reached an impasse in negotiations to renew our commercial contracts. Because the organizations were unable to reach agreement on several important contract issues, Sanford issued a notice of contract termination effective July 1, 2027. Sanford believes patients deserve healthcare agreements that provide stability, accountability and reliable access to care.
Learn why Sanford issued a termination notice and what it means for your care.
What you need to know now
Today, Sanford remains in network with Wellmark, and there are no changes to your coverage or benefits. Appointments, procedures and treatments will continue as scheduled, and you do not need to take any action. Sanford has issued a notice of contract termination effective July 1, 2027, but our preference remains a negotiated agreement. The notice period gives Sanford and Wellmark nine months to reach terms that protect patients, and Sanford will continue negotiating in good faith.
Patients deserve stability and accountability in the healthcare decisions that affect them
Patients rely on stable access to their doctors, hospitals and healthcare services. Wellmark is seeking the unilateral power 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. 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.
Earlier this year, Wellmark implemented an amendment that penalizes hospitals for contracting decisions made by independent physician groups. This shifts risk to providers and limits local flexibility to respond to the needs of patients and communities. When an insurance company can rewrite important contract terms after an agreement is signed, patients have less assurance that the care, services and access they depend on will remain protected.
A four-year agreement should provide four years of stability for our patients
Wellmark is seeking a four-year agreement while retaining the ability to make unilateral changes after the contract is signed. Sanford supports long-term agreements when they provide clear expectations, shared accountability and stability for patients, providers and communities.
Questions about your care
Can I still receive care at Sanford?
Yes. Sanford remains in network with Wellmark, and you can continue receiving care from Sanford physicians, advanced practice providers, hospitals and clinics just as you do today.
Do I need to do anything right now?
No. No action is needed. If anything changes that requires action from you, Sanford will contact you directly with clear information and guidance as early as possible.
Will my scheduled appointments be canceled?
No. Scheduled appointments, procedures and treatments will continue as planned.
Should I look for a new provider?
No. There is no reason to change providers or your care plans at this time.
Has my insurance coverage changed?
No. This notice does not change your coverage, benefits, provider network or access to care today.
Will my deductible, copay or coinsurance change?
No changes are occurring at this time. Questions about your specific benefit plan should be directed to Wellmark using the member services number on your insurance card.
Will my prescriptions be affected?
No. There are no changes to prescription drug coverage today as a result of these negotiations.
Does this affect my decisions during open enrollment?
There are no changes to Sanford's participation in Wellmark's network today. Patients should carefully review their coverage options and provider networks when making health insurance decisions during open enrollment. Sanford will continue to share updates as negotiations progress so patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
When would Sanford go out of network with Wellmark if an agreement is not reached?
Sanford remains in network with Wellmark today. If the organizations are unable to reach an agreement, the current termination notice would take effect July 1, 2027. Sanford and Wellmark may continue negotiating throughout the notice period, and Sanford's goal remains reaching an agreement before that date.
Is this related to Wellmark's exit from the Medicare Advantage market?
No. Wellmark's planned exit from the Medicare Advantage market in our region, effective Jan. 1, 2027, is a separate business decision by Wellmark and is not related to these negotiations. This contract notice involves Sanford's commercial contracts with Wellmark.
Is Sanford trying to leave Wellmark's network?
No. Sanford's goal is to reach a fair, sustainable agreement. Decisions that affect patient care, access and the healthcare services available in our communities should be negotiated by both organizations, not controlled by a health insurer alone.
If Sanford becomes out of network for Wellmark, can I still receive care from my Sanford provider?
Yes. Patients with Wellmark coverage would still be able to receive care from Sanford physicians, advanced practice providers, hospitals and clinics. Sanford will continue caring for patients regardless of the outcome of the negotiations. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs would depend on the specific terms of a patient's health plan.
Why is Sanford concerned about the proposed contract?
Sanford is concerned about Wellmark's continued ability to make unilateral changes to important contract terms after an agreement is signed. Those changes could affect patient care, affordability and access. Sanford believes patients deserve healthcare agreements that provide stability, accountability and protections that remain in place throughout the life of the agreement.
Why couldn't Sanford and Wellmark reach an agreement?
Sanford and Wellmark have not yet agreed on several important contract issues that affect how patient care is delivered and paid for. Sanford believes patients deserve both reliable access to care and the assurance that important decisions affecting their healthcare will be made collaboratively, not solely at the discretion of an insurance company. While Sanford supports long-term agreements, the organizations have been unable to agree on contract terms that provide the stability, accountability and predictability patients deserve.
How could these negotiations affect rural communities?
Many rural communities rely on local hospitals, clinics, specialty services and emergency care. Sustainable healthcare funding helps support those services so patients can continue receiving care close to home rather than traveling long distances for treatment.
What happens next?
Sanford and Wellmark may continue negotiating during the notice period. Our goal remains reaching an agreement before the contract termination date. We will share updates on this page as they become available.
What happens if an agreement is not reached?
As a nonprofit health system, Sanford Health cares for all patients, regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage. If Sanford becomes out of network for Wellmark after July 1, 2027, patients with Wellmark coverage can still receive care from Sanford providers and facilities. However, their coverage and out-of-pocket costs would be determined by their specific Wellmark plan's out-of-network benefits.
For now, Sanford remains in network with Wellmark. Patients should continue scheduling appointments and receiving care as usual.
Will my healthcare costs increase if Sanford becomes out of network?
There are no changes to your healthcare costs, coverage or benefits today. If Sanford were to become out of network in the future, coverage and out-of-pocket costs would depend on your specific Wellmark plan. Sanford would provide advance notice and clear information to help patients understand any potential impact.
Have more questions?
For questions about your care at Sanford, call [phone number] or [contact link]. For questions about your specific benefits, contact Wellmark using the member services number on your insurance card.