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Seniors Abandoned as Insurer-Provider Contract Ends
1 Jul
Summary
- 1,900 seniors and disabled residents lose coverage with Brown Health.
- Patients must pay out-of-pocket or find new doctors by Tuesday.
- A special enrollment period offers a third, costly option.
As of Tuesday, July 1, 2026, approximately 1,900 senior and disabled Medicare Advantage patients in Rhode Island will lose coverage with Brown Health due to a terminated contract with United Healthcare. This decision, announced in May, forces affected individuals to choose between paying out-of-pocket for their current care or seeking new primary and specialty providers.
A special enrollment period, granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the request of Rhode Island's congressional delegation, extends until August 31, 2026. This allows affected patients to switch insurance plans or providers, though it may lead to increased premiums or further difficulties in finding suitable care.
Brown Health cited inadequate reimbursement rates and burdensome authorization requirements from United Healthcare as reasons for the contract termination. Conversely, United Healthcare stated its focus is on helping patients transition to new providers or continue care through specific arrangements. The dispute highlights broader issues of rising healthcare costs and contract negotiations impacting patient access.
United Healthcare is currently facing scrutiny from state and federal authorities regarding alleged Medicaid fraud and manipulating the Medicare Advantage system for higher reimbursements. This ongoing investigation adds another layer of concern for patients relying on their plans. Despite the contract ending, patients undergoing serious medical treatments may qualify for continuity of care determinations.
