ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Thousands of patients in the St. Louis region face uncertainty about their medical care as contract negotiations between SSM Health and United Healthcare have stalled.

Patients who use both SSM Health doctors and United Healthcare insurance received letters warning that if the two sides don’t reach an agreement by Dec. 31, they will have to find new doctors or pay higher out-of-network costs.

The negotiations do not involve Medicare plans.

The contract dispute particularly affects patients with chronic illnesses who have established relationships with their doctors. Stephanie Hickman said she finally found an endocrinologist who helped her successfully manage her diabetes after going through several doctors.

“My weight is under control, my numbers are u

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