UnitedHealthcare has notified Medicare Advantage patients in Rhode Island that they may lose coverage at several local hospitals if a deal is not reached with Brown University Health by July 1. The potential loss of coverage would impact Hasbro Children’s, Newport, Miriam, and Rhode Island Hospitals, but not the physicians of Brown University Health.
A spokesperson for Brown University Health said, “In addition to a modest reimbursement rate increase to cover the costs of caring for their members, we asked United to eliminate their administrative policies that deviate from traditional Medicare, such as unnecessary prior approval and utilization management, that cause frustration for patients and result in extra cost to our healthcare system.
Since both parties held firm in their positions, we mutually decided to end our Medicare Advantage hospital contract effective June 30, 2025.”
UnitedHealthcare stated that its top priority is to reach a long-term agreement that is both affordable and maintains competitive benefits for its Medicare Advantage members. They hope Brown University Health shares their commitment to reaching an agreement that provides continued network access to its hospitals for people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
UnitedHealthcare coverage changes
If an agreement is not reached, UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage members may find themselves paying more to get care at Brown University Health’s Rhode Island-based hospitals. The change would affect subscribers relying on Brown University Health’s hospitals, but physicians from Brown University Health will remain in the Medicare Advantage network regardless of the ongoing contract negotiations. The current agreement between UnitedHealthcare and Brown University Health remains effective through June 30, 2025.
Should the negotiations fail, Brown University Health’s hospitals will exit the network for all Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plan and Group Retiree plans, effective July 1, 2025. Saint Anne’s and Morton Hospitals in Massachusetts, both owned by Brown University Health, will not be impacted by the potential contract impasse.