United Healthcare Updates

UnitedHealthcare Contract Negotiation

Mercy Health relies on fair reimbursement from insurance companies to support access to care, invest in our communities and sustain high-quality services for patients. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, Mercy Health is currently negotiating a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to adequately address the rising costs of providing care.

If an agreement is not reached before January 1, 2027, Mercy Health will be forced out of network for UnitedHealthcare members.

While our current agreement with UnitedHealthcare remains in place and there is no change to your care or coverage today, we want to ensure you have advanced notice about a situation that could affect your insurance network in the future. 

What You Can Do

To better understand your options and ensure your continued access to Mercy Health care, consider taking the following steps:

• Call UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card to ask how your coverage could be affected.
• Talk with your employer or benefits representative if you receive UHC coverage through work.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, speak with your broker or plan representative about options for maintaining in-network access to Mercy Health doctors, hospitals and care sites.
• Review Mercy Health’s accepted insurance plans and coverage options.

We continue to negotiate in good faith and remain focused on reaching an agreement that protects your access to Mercy Health doctors, hospitals and care teams while supporting our ability to provide safe, high-quality care throughout our communities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is this happening? 

Health systems and insurance companies regularly negotiate contracts that determine in-network access to care.

Like all health systems, Mercy Health relies on fair reimbursement from insurance companies to support access to care, invest in our communities and sustain high-quality services for patients.

Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare’s current proposal does not adequately address the rising costs of providing care or longstanding administrative challenges, including claims denials. 

We continue to negotiate in good faith and remain focused on reaching an agreement that protects patients' access to Mercy Health doctors, hospitals and care teams while supporting our ability to provide safe, high-quality care throughout the communities we serve.

Should I cancel or reschedule my current appointments?

No. For now, there is no change to your care, coverage or access to Mercy Health services. Patients should continue seeing their Mercy Health doctors and care teams and keep any scheduled appointments. 

When does this happen?

Our current contract with UnitedHealthcare ends Dec. 31, 2026.

If an agreement is not reached before Jan. 1, 2027, Mercy Health physicians, hospitals and care sites will become out-of-network for patients covered by UnitedHealthcare. We are actively working toward a new agreement.

For now, there is no change to your care, coverage or access to Mercy Health services. Patients should continue seeing their Mercy Health doctors and care teams and keep any scheduled appointments.

Who does this impact?

Patients covered by UnitedHealthcare will be affected if a new agreement is not reached before January 1, 2027. This includes patients enrolled in UnitedHealthcare commercial, managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, VA Care Network and Exchange plans.

Emergency care remains available regardless of network status. Should Mercy Health become out-of-network with UHC, some patients receiving ongoing treatment for chronic or complex conditions may also qualify for Continuity of Care protections that allow them to continue seeing their Mercy Health care team at in-network benefit levels for a period of time.

What if I have an emergency on or after January 1, 2027?

You will always have access to emergency care at Mercy Health. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Emergency care remains available regardless of whether Mercy Health is in network.

What if I am managing a serious, chronic or complex condition?

Should Mercy Health become out-of-network with UHC, some patients receiving ongoing treatment for chronic or complex conditions may also qualify for Continuity of Care protections that allow them to continue seeing their Mercy Health care team at in-network benefit levels for a period of time. 

UnitedHealthcare is responsible for reviewing Continuity of Care requests and determining eligibility. To help avoid disruption to your care, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask how to apply.

When will this negotiation be resolved?

We understand how important it is to continue receiving care from the Mercy Health doctors, nurses and care teams you know and trust.

We are actively working toward a new agreement. We remain committed to reaching an agreement with UnitedHealthcare that protects patients' access to affordable, high-quality health care. We will continue to keep patients informed as discussions progress and are doing everything we can to avoid any disruption to care.

Who can I contact with questions?

Call the number on the back of your insurance card with questions. UnitedHealthcare can explain how your specific benefits plan may be affected if Mercy Health is forced out of network. You can also continue to check this page for updates.