TIFTON — An affirmation of more support from United Healthcare has prompted Tift Regional Medical Center to extend its agreement with the insurer until the end of October.

The health system announced May 31 that they had arranged an extension of the network participation agreement with United Medicare Advantage, which Tift Regional had initially planned on opting out of June 1.

Chief Financial Officer Troy Brooks reported that United Healthcare representatives met with him and Tift Regional CEO Chris Dorman May 23, where they asserted the organization would make an effort to help address many of the issues the health system was facing in regards to their agreement.

As part of the extension, United Healthcare has agreed to organize a team that will meet with Tift Regional staff on a regular basis to address further issues the health system may have with United, such as assistance and guidance in resolving old claims and appeals.

Brooks and Dorman have both stated that the extension will effectively be a trial period for a potential agreement between Tift Regional and United, and that they will consider negotiations for a future plan with United if they feel the provider has adequately met the commitments they have made to Tift Regional.

In the event the health system chooses not to pursue another agreement, Dorman has assured that they will notify the public of such an outcome by September 1.