White River Health has announced that its hospitals and facility-based services will no longer be in-network with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, effective January 1, 2027. Patients currently covered by these plans who wish to retain access to White River Health physicians and hospitals are advised to review their options during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, which lasts until December 7, 2026.
The decision stems from what health system officials describe as ongoing administrative difficulties. These include frequent claim denials, heightened documentation requirements, and other procedural challenges that have delayed patient care and created burdens for healthcare providers. Shawna Ives, executive vice president and chief financial officer at White River Health, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in resolving these issues with UnitedHealthcare despite over a year of discussions.
“For more than a year, White River Health has worked in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to address ongoing challenges in our partnership,” Ives said. “Despite repeated efforts to resolve these concerns, we have not seen the progress necessary to support an effective working relationship. While this was not the outcome we hoped for, our priority remains ensuring our patients have access to high-quality care and that our clinical teams can focus on meeting their health care needs.”
The change will not affect Arkansas retirees, teachers, or patients with VA coverage. However, individuals aged 65 or older who are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and wish to stay within the White River Health network must consider switching to a different plan. Alternative options include Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Arkansas Integrated Providers Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP), Devoted Healthspring Tribute Select (HMO-POS/I-SNP), or Traditional Medicare.
White River Health emphasized that its commitment to patient care remains steadfast. “Our commitment to our patients hasn’t changed. The physicians, nurses, and care teams patients know and trust at White River Health facilities will continue to provide the high-quality care our communities depend on,” said Ives. “We encourage patients to carefully review their health plan options and understand how their coverage may affect access to White River Health services.”
To assist in transitioning to new plans, patients can seek guidance from licensed Medicare brokers or contact the White River Area Agency on Aging at 870-612-3000 for free, unbiased advice. Further information is also available at whiteriverhealth.org/UHC.
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 annually. Changes made during this time will go into effect on January 1 of the following year.