Will UnitedHealthcare insurance no longer be accepted?
USA Health and UnitedHealthcare have agreed to extend contract negotiations for 30 days while both parties continue working toward a fair and sustainable agreement. The extension allows UnitedHealthcare members to maintain in-network access to care at USA Health University Hospital and USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital during ongoing negotiations.
The contracts between UnitedHealthcare and USA Health University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital were scheduled to expire Sept. 30. Under the extension, UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plans will remain in network at both hospitals until Nov. 1, 2026, while discussions continue.
UnitedHealthcare Veterans Community Care Network plans will remain in network at University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital, as well as at Providence Hospital.
My appointment is scheduled after Nov. 1. Should I still go?
While negotiations continue, beginning Nov. 2, services and procedures at University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital may be billed as out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plan holders, which could result in higher out-of-pocket costs. USA Health Providence Hospital has been out of network since Nov. 15, 2025. Because coverage varies by plan, we encourage you to call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare card to confirm your specific benefits. Please review the list of exceptions near the bottom of this page.
Can I continue my care with USA Health even though I won’t be covered on an in-network basis?
Yes, you may continue receiving your care, and we truly value you as our patient. However, please note that if an agreement cannot be reached, your insurance will no longer cover the same portion of your costs. This means you will be personally responsible for a larger share of the charges, which could result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. We want to ensure you are fully informed so there are no unexpected surprises when you receive your bill. Because coverage varies by plan, we encourage you to call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare card to confirm your specific benefits.
Are emergency room visits covered?
Yes, UnitedHealthcare is required by federal law to cover all emergently needed services, which will include visits to USA Health emergency departments. Please call the number on the back of your member ID card for questions regarding out-of-network costs.
What should I do now?
Here are a few options:
- Continue with your current UnitedHealthcare plan and change doctors (you can use the directory on the UnitedHealthcare website or call the number on your card).
- Continue with your current UnitedHealthcare plan and pay the out-of-network costs.
- For patients interested in moving to another health insurance plan that allows in-network coverage, plans accepted by USA Health include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama – Commercial and Medicare Advantage
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi – Blue Card
- Humana – ChoiceCare, Military Tricare – AL, Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO
- Cigna – Commercial and Cigna Healthspring – Medicare Advantage
- Aetna – Commercial and Medicare Advantage
- Viva – Health and Medicare Advantage
- Medicaid – Alabama and Mississippi
- Medicare – Alabama and Railroad
- Ambetter – Alabama and Mississippi Exchange/Marketplace plans
- Devoted Health – Medicare Advantage
- Magnolia – Mississippi Exchange Plan
- Mississippi Physician Care Network – MPCN – PPO
- Molina – Mississippi CHIP – CAN – Exchange
- Multiplan Inc – Alabama
- Trucare of Mississippi
- Wellcare of Mississippi – Medicare Advantage
Can I still use the patient portal?
Yes, your portal account will remain active, and your records — including visit summaries, labs, messages, and prescriptions — will continue to be accessible.
What happens if I am in the hospital when coverage expires Nov. 1?
If you are currently under in-patient care, your services will be covered on an in-network basis for 30 days or until you are discharged, whichever comes first.
My baby is due around the UnitedHealthcare expiration date of Nov. 1. What should I do?
It depends on the risk-level and trimester as of Nov. 1. See the exceptions list near the bottom of this page.
I’m in the middle of chemotherapy. Do I have to go somewhere else?
Chemotherapy and other non-surgical cancer treatments will continue to be covered in-network until the end of your current treatment cycle or for 30 days, whichever is greater. Once your current treatment cycle is complete, these services will no longer be covered in-network. We encourage you to contact UnitedHealthcare at the number listed on the back of your insurance card to share your feedback regarding your access to USA Health hospitals.
What about my infusion therapy?
It depends on the condition being treated. For cancer, chemotherapy will continue to be covered in-network until their current cycle ends or 30 days, whichever is greater. Non-cancer therapies will be considered out-of-network after Nov. 1.
