White River Health reaches new agreement with UnitedHealthcare

White River Health announced today it has reached new agreements with UnitedHealthcare for both commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, ensuring continued in-network access for patients.

Under the terms of the agreements, White River Health has secured a two-year contract for commercial plans and an extension through Dec. 31, 2026, for Medicare Advantage plans, according to a release from White River Health. As a result, all UnitedHealthcare patients will have in-network access to White River Health.

White River Health CEO Steven Webb (Image: White River Health)

“This agreement is an important step forward for our patients and our community,” said Steven Webb, CEO of White River Health. “We worked diligently to reach a resolution with UnitedHealthcare that avoids disruption in care and supports long-term access to local services.”

White River Health emphasized that securing these agreements required significant advocacy to protect patients from losing in-network access, particularly for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.

“Our team fought hard to prevent a gap in coverage for our patients,” Webb said. “While the Medicare Advantage extension does not yet represent a long-term solution, it ensures stability through the end of the year and gives patients important time to make informed decisions during the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period this fall.”

Although there was a short period when White River Health was out of network with UnitedHealthcare, because of the new agreements, care received during that time will be covered at in-network rates.

Throughout the negotiations, White River Health remained focused on achieving terms that better reflect the cost of delivering care in the communities it serves while minimizing administrative barriers that can delay treatment.

“We believe it is critical to advocate for fair agreements with commercial insurers like UnitedHealthcare,” Webb said. “These efforts help preserve access to care, support our healthcare teams, and ensure we can continue serving our communities for years to come.”

The new agreements ensure that patients with UnitedHealthcare coverage can continue to access care at in-network rates, consistent with their individual health plan benefits.

“We appreciate the patience of our patients and community throughout this process,” Webb added. “We remain focused on meeting the needs of the people who rely on us every day.”

For more information, visit WhiteRiverHealth.org/UHC or call (870) 262-3777.