White River Health and UnitedHealthcare: What You Need to Know

Our contract with UnitedHealthcare (UHC)  for commercial and Medicare Advantage plans is set to expire after March 31, 2026. If a new agreement is not reached by that date, your access to care at White River Health could change, and some services may no longer be considered in network, which could result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

Certain patients are NOT impacted by these negotiations:

• Patients with Arkansas State retiree or teacher coverage through UnitedHealthcare
• Patients receiving care through VA coverage

UnitedHealthcare is asking for a contract that does not fairly cover the true cost of delivering care at White River Health. When insurers push for unfair contracts, it puts pressure on local health systems and can limit patients’ access to the care they rely on. We believe patients should not face delays, added barriers, or disruptions to care because of insurance decisions.

We remain ready to finalize a fair agreement immediately.  However, UHC has not agreed to reasonable contract changes that would reduce red tape and make it easier for patients to get timely care. 

If a new agreement is not reached by March 31, 2026, access to certain services at White River Health could change.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Access to White River Health

• Contact UHC: Call the number on the back of your insurance card and let them know that continued access to White River Health matters to you.

• Continuity of Care: If you are pregnant or managing a chronic condition, contact UnitedHealthcare to request Continuity of Care. If approved, this may allow you to continue receiving care at White River Health after March 31. UnitedHealthcare makes the final decision on these requests, but our team is happy to help guide you and assist with any needed paperwork. 

• Employer-sponsored coverage: Speak with your HR representative about maintaining in-network access White River Health. 

• Medicare Advantage members: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs through March 31, 2026. You may review plan options that includes in-network access to White River Health.  Please review detailed instructions on how you can make a change.
  

If you have questions, our patient support team is here to help: (870) 262-3777.

How to Make Changes to Your Coverage During Medicare Open Enrollment Period

From now until March 31, 2026 you have the opportunity to review your Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage and make one change. You can either switch to a different MA plan or return to Traditional Medicare. 

White River Health's guaranteed in-network Medicare Advantage plans in 2026:

• Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Arkansas Superior Select (D-SNP)
• HealthSpring (Cigna)
• Primewell
• Traditional Medicare
• Wellcare
• Wellcare by Allwell

We recommend working with your Medicare broker to review your options during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Below are the steps you can follow if you want to make changes on your own. 

Step One: Get Your Information Ready

• Have your Medicare Card handy
• Know the name of your current United Healthcare plan

Step Two: Compare Your Choices

You can compare plans by: 

• Visting www.medicare.gov
• Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1.800.633.4277)

You can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or
• Switch back to Traditional (Original) Medicare (If you choose Traditional Medicare, consider signing up for a Part D drug plan as well.)

Step Three: Know which Plans Include White River Health

• Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Arkansas Superior Select (D-SNP)
• HealthSpring (Cigna)
• Primewell
• Traditional Medicare
• Wellcare
• Wellcare by Allwell

Step Four: Enroll in Your New Plan

• Sign up directly with the new plan you choose
• You do not need to cancel your old plan
• Your old plan will end automatically once the new coverage begins

Step Five: Know When Your New Coverage Begins

• Coverage usually begins on the first day of the month after you enroll

Step Six: Keep Your Records

• Save any letters, emails, or confirmation numbers you receive
• If you need help, call 1-800-MEDICARE for free assistance

Frequently Asked Questions