UHealth and UnitedHealthcare Contract Negotiation
We are working hard to reach a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare. Our goal is to keep UHealth in your insurance network so you can continue getting world-class care close to home. If we do not reach an agreement with UnitedHealthcare by July 31, 2026, UHealth could be considered an out-of-network provider starting August 1, 2026. Nothing changes today, and patients should keep all of their scheduled appointments.
Why UHealth Matters
UHealth is South Florida’s only academic health system. This means our doctors do more than treat patients. They also teach future doctors and lead research that brings new treatments to our community.
Patients come to us for care they cannot find anywhere else in the region:
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Ranked #1 in the nation for eye care
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, giving patients access to special clinical trials that other hospitals cannot offer.
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute: an elite, multidisciplinary clinical and research center treating every subspecialty of urology
- Top-Ranked Programs: Our Neurology and Neurosurgery programs are ranked nationally
- Award-Winning Quality: We are one of only five systems in the country to win the Vizient Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Award
UnitedHealthcare is putting your access to UHealth at risk
While the cost of healthcare, nurses, and medical supplies keeps going up, UnitedHealthcare is not reimbursing at rates that keep pace. We need United to agree to a new agreement so UHealth can continue delivering the high-quality care patients and families rely on from the region’s only academic medical center. We are simply asking United for reimbursement that is consistent with what other South Florida health systems are already paid today.
United’s red tape continues to delay and deny care
- Care Policies: United has proposed a policy that could force patients receiving ongoing infusion treatment, such as chemotherapy, to leave UHealth in the middle of their care. This creates disruption during critical moments of care, when patients should be focused on healing, not worrying about where they can receive their next treatment.
- Unfair Denials: United often denies care that is medically necessary. When we appeal these denials on our patients’ behalf, 94% of them are overturned and approved. That means they are wrong 94% of the time. These unnecessary delays take valuable time away from care teams — time that should be spent caring for patients, not battling red tape.
What This Means for You
- Right Now: Nothing changes. Keep your upcoming appointments and schedule new ones as usual.
- The Deadline: If we do not reach a deal by July 31, 2026, UHealth could become an out-of-network provider starting August 1, 2026.
- Higher Out-of-Network Costs: If UHealth leaves the network, you may have to pay more out-of-pocket to see your doctors or find new ones.
- Emergency Care: Regardless of whether your insurance plan is in-network, you will always have access to emergency care at UHealth.
- Ongoing Treatment: If you are pregnant or receiving ongoing treatment for a serious illness, you may qualify for Continuity of Care. If United approves your request, you may be able to keep seeing your UHealth doctor for a period of time without paying extra. United reviews these requests one by one, so we encourage you to apply early.
How can you make your voice heard
You can take action to keep your access to UHealth:
- Call UnitedHealthcare: Call the number on the back of your insurance card and tell them how important it is to keep UHealth in your network.
- Talk to Your Employer: If you get insurance through your job, let your Human Resources (HR) department know that you expect your benefits plan to include UHealth.
Have more questions? Read our full FAQs below or call UnitedHealthcare for details about your specific plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are UHealth and UnitedHealthcare negotiating?
UHealth and UnitedHealthcare are negotiating the terms of our agreement, including an updated payment UnitedHealthcare would provide for the care delivered by UHealth. In recent years, the cost of delivering care has risen significantly due to inflation, supply costs, and the increasing complexity of patient needs. At the same time, administrative requirements such as prior authorizations and claim denials have increased, creating delays and unnecessary barriers for patients.
UHealth is negotiating with UnitedHealthcare to ensure our agreement reflects the true value and cost of delivering academic medicine in South Florida. Our commitment is to our patients and our community. We are working in good faith to reach a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare that keeps UHealth in-network and ensures continued access to world-class care close to home.
What types of UnitedHealthcare insurance plans are impacted by this negotiation?
All UnitedHealthcare Commercial, Exchange and Medicaid plans are affected.
Which UnitedHealthcare services and providers are impacted by this negotiation?
All providers and services across all locations will be impacted if UnitedHealthcare does not agree to updated rates under a new contract by July 31, 2026.
When does the current contract with UnitedHealthcare end?
If UnitedHealthcare does not agree to a contract by July 31, 2026, UHealth will be out-of-network, and most patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance will have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost for services or be forced to find new providers outside of UHealth.
Should I reschedule upcoming appointments or stop scheduling future appointments?
No. At this time, nothing has changed. Patients should keep their current appointments and continue scheduling new appointments with UHealth physicians and at UHealth locations as usual.
When will the negotiation be resolved?
We are working right now to reach a new agreement and our goal is to resolve the negotiation as quickly as possible. We hope UnitedHealthcare will share our sense of urgency and collaborate for a timely resolution. A new contract must be established by July 31, 2026, or UHealth will be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network.
What happens if UnitedHealthcare will not agree to a new contract, and UnitedHealthcare removes UHealth from my insurance network?
If UHealth is removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network, most patients will have to pay more out-of-pocket to continue seeing their UHealth providers. It’s important to contact UnitedHealthcare to understand what your out-of-network benefits are so that you can make decisions that are right for you and your family about where and how you get the care you need.
Call UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card to express your concern and advocate to keep UHealth in-network. We also encourage you to learn what your out-of-network benefits are and consider exploring new insurance plans that include UHealth during open enrollment. Ask your HR team what other plans are available that include your UHealth physicians and locations.
What if I have a medical emergency on or after July 31, 2026?
Regardless of whether your insurance plan is in-network, you will always have access to emergency care at UHealth. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please go to the location nearest you.
What if I’m pregnant or receiving complex treatment or critical care for a chronic illness that requires care on or after July 31, 2026?
The possibility of losing in-network coverage for your care is always concerning, particularly for those with ongoing and serious care needs. UnitedHealthcare is legally required to allow some patients to continue seeing their current UHealth doctors at in-network rates for a certain period, even if an agreement is not made by July 31. Patients will be encouraged to apply for Continuity of Care through UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare will review applications and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Call UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more.
What can I do to help make sure UnitedHealthcare agrees to a contract and UHealth stays in my insurance network?
Call or email UnitedHealthcare. Let them know how important it is for you to maintain in-network access to your doctors. Call the number on the back of your insurance card.
If you receive insurance through your employer, contact your Human Resources or leadership team. Let them know you deserve and expect a benefits plan that includes reliable in-network access to high-quality, local care at UHealth, South Florida’s only academic medical center.
Who can I contact with questions?
We encourage you to call UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card. UnitedHealthcare can help you understand what the impact will be on you and your family based on your specific benefits plan if UHealth is removed from your plan’s network.