TIFTON — Tift Regional Medical Center has announced the termination of its agreement with United Medicare Advantage network.

Representatives of the health system reported April 29 that Tift Regional would be ending the network participation agreement beginning June 1.

In a press release, Tift Regional Chief Financial Officer Troy Brooks stated the decision was a result of pay disputes and network participation issues with United Healthcare of Georgia going back for approximately two years.

Brooks stressed that the termination of the agreement would not affect the health system’s acceptance of United Healthcare Commercial plans, and that those in the United Medicare Advantage plan would still be able to receive services under an out-of-network provider with a potentially insignificant change in cost for healthcare services.

Should a patient be gravely affected and require alternative options, Tift Regional officials have instructed them to contact the Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program, receive guidance from a federal Medicare representative by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or visit medicare.gov to view available health insurance plans based on zip code and other criteria.

Open enrollment for Medicare plans will also begin Oct. 15, and last until Dec. 7.