TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A looming healthcare deadline could force thousands of Tampa Bay patients to find new doctors.

A contract dispute between UnitedHealthcare and BayCare is threatening in-network access across the region, raising concerns for patients in the middle of treatment or preparing for major medical care.

That includes Allyson Aiello, who is eight months pregnant and expecting her baby in just a few weeks. Aiello said she recently received a letter warning her that her BayCare hospital could soon be out of network for UnitedHealthcare patients.

“It was basically notifying us that our hospital of choice is no longer an option for us United customers… and it’s really troubling to us because I just finished filling out the paperwork to have my son there,” Aiello said.

She is now scrambling to understand her options, but said time is not on her side.

“But I’ve hit the eight-month mark. There’s no other doctor provider that’s going to take me this late in the pregnancy, Aiello said.

Aiello is one of thousands of patients who could be impacted if the two sides fail to reach a new agreement.

UnitedHealthcare said rising costs are at the center of the dispute, accusing BayCare of seeking price increases that would significantly raise costs for Florida families and employers.

In a statement, a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson said the company is proposing “market-competitive rate increases” and plans to remain at the negotiating table, but added that BayCare must agree to terms that are “affordable for the people we collectively serve.”

BayCare, meanwhile, said it is working toward a fair agreement that keeps care accessible for patients.

Healthcare leaders said disputes like this are not uncommon, but they can have serious consequences if a deal is not reached.

“It’s common that they try to reach a solution before the deadline… because the community will be affected in a grave way if no agreement is reached,” said Readus Smith, a senior healthcare executive in Florida.

For patients like Aiello, who lives in a more rural part of Hillsborough County, options may be limited.

“BayCare is the only provider in the area that can really address all of our needs,” Aiello said.

UnitedHealthcare said that for now, nothing has changed, and patients can still access BayCare providers. However, if an agreement is not reached, BayCare could be out of network for certain plans starting June 1.

For Aiello, the hope is that a deal comes before her due date so she can focus on her delivery, not her coverage.

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