Medicare Cuts Loom: 1000s May Lose Doctors

UnitedHealthcare and NewYork-Presbyterian are in critical contract negotiations that could affect thousands of Medicare Advantage members. Unless an agreement is reached within approximately two weeks, NewYork-Presbyterian may be removed from UnitedHealthcare's in-network provider list for these plans starting January 1, 2026. This potential separation impacts numerous hospitals and healthcare organizations.

NewYork-Presbyterian has stated its commitment to ensuring Medicare Advantage patients retain in-network access to their chosen doctors and hospitals, while also advising patients on alternative health plan options. Conversely, UnitedHealthcare expressed its ongoing efforts to keep the hospital in-network and noted that if NYP does leave, they will assist affected members with continuity of care or facilitate transitions to other providers.

The uncertainty is causing significant anxiety for patients, including an 81-year-old cancer survivor who relies on her current medical team. She voiced distress over the potential for increased out-of-network costs, the added burden on ill patients, and the sheer difficulty of establishing care with new physicians.