Claim denials and care delays cause White River Health to exit UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage in 2027. Medicare Annual Enrollment is open, giving patients time to choose a plan that keeps their doctor.

(Batesville, Ark.) – White River Health (WRH) announced that, effective January 1, 2027, its hospitals and facility-based services will no longer be in network with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. Frequent claim denials, administrative requirements and additional documentation demands have placed significant burdens on physicians and care teams and have created delayed care for patients. Arkansas state retirees, teachers, and patients with VA coverage are not affected by this change.

“For more than a year, WRH has worked in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to address ongoing challenges in our partnership,” said Shawna Ives, Chief Financial Officer at WRH. “Despite repeated efforts to resolve these concerns, we have not seen the progress necessary to support an effective working relationship. While this was not the outcome we hoped for, our priority remains ensuring our patients have access to high-quality care and that our clinical teams can focus on meeting their healthcare needs.”

For individuals aged 65 and older affected by this network change, Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 of this year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review their coverage and make changes to their Medicare or prescription drug plans for the coming year. Changes made during this period take effect January 1. Individuals who want to keep WRH’s hospitals and physicians in their insurance network select an alternative health insurance plan including:

• Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Arkansas Integrated Providers Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
• Devoted
• Healthspring
• Tribute Select (HMO-POS / I-SNP)
• Traditional Medicare

“Our commitment to our patients hasn’t changed. The physicians, nurses and care teams patients know and trust at WRH facilities will continue to provide the high-quality care our communities depend on,” Ives said. “We encourage patients to carefully review their health plan options and understand how their coverage may affect access to WRH services. During the enrollment period, we want patients to have the information they need to make informed decisions about their coverage and continued access to the care they trust.”

Patients can receive free, unbiased assistance reviewing their options from a licensed Medicare broker or the White River Area Agency on Aging at (870) 612-3000. More information about WRH’s status with UnitedHealthcare is available at whiteriverhealth.org/UHC

White River Health (WRH) is an independent, not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas. White River Health includes White River Medical Center in Batesville, Stone County Medical Center in Mountain View, outpatient facilities, primary care, and specialty physician office practices.

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Posted 10/21/27