White River Health, a major healthcare provider in north-central Arkansas, announced plans to leave the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage network beginning January 1, 2027.
In a statement on Wednesday, the health system explained that the decision was driven by what it described as frequent claim denials, administrative hurdles, and documentation demands that it says delay patient care and burden providers.
“For more than a year, WRH has worked in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to address ongoing challenges in our partnership,” said Shawna Ives, White River Health’s Chief Financial Officer. “Despite repeated efforts to resolve these concerns, we have not seen the progress necessary to support an effective working relationship.”
The health system operates White River Medical Center in Batesville, Stone County Medical Center in Mountain View, and a network of outpatient clinics, primary care offices, and specialty medical services throughout the region.
White River Health noted that the move will not affect coverage for Arkansas state retirees, teachers, or patients covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Medicare Advantage patients who want to maintain in-network access to White River Health services will need to consider alternative health plans.
The existing contract between the two organizations, initially set to expire on March 31, 2026, had been extended until December 31 after failed negotiations earlier this year. The extension will now expire without renewal, leaving White River Health out of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage network starting in 2027.
The announcement comes during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. White River Health encouraged affected patients to carefully evaluate their plan options during enrollment. State resources, including the White River Area Agency on Aging, and licensed Medicare brokers are available to help individuals review coverage and select a plan suited to their needs. Patients can contact the White River Area Agency on Aging at 870-612-3000 for assistance.
“Our commitment to our patients hasn’t changed,” Ives said. “We encourage patients to carefully review their health plan options and understand how their coverage may affect access to WRH services.”
Additional details are available at whiteriverhealth.org/UHC.