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Milwaukee County Board Approves Retroactive UnitedHealthcare Contract After Lapse

The retroactive agreement averts costly out-of-network liabilities after an administrative lapse.

Overview

  • Supervisors voted 13-5 to renew the UnitedHealthcare and Optum Rx deal through 2030, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Officials said coverage for roughly 5,100 employees, dependents and retirees did not lapse, though attorneys warned of severe risk if UHC disengaged.
  • HR Benefits Director Tony Maze is no longer employed after acknowledging he bypassed required RFP procedures and failed to provide auditors with requested drafts.
  • County records show auditors sought contract language starting in September, learned of the expiration on Jan. 15, and the issue reached the board on Jan. 29.
  • The lapse has prompted calls for audits and stronger controls and has triggered political criticism of County Executive David Crowley.