Below is a message regarding a network disruption for patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

Baptist Health is committed to helping ensure any disruption in continuity of care is limited and knows that Medicare participants have multiple options when it comes to their health insurance, but not all plans are contracted with Baptist Health. Since Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment is underway and closes on December 7 2026, we are providing a list of Medicare Advantage plans that, as of the date of this notice, are already contracted with Baptist Health to be “in-network” for 2027.

If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that is already in-network for 2027, then you can continue to access Baptist Health and affiliated healthcare providers. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan that ultimately does not contract with Baptist Health, in most cases, starting January 1, 2027, Baptist Health and affiliated healthcare providers will not be able to treat you except for emergent and urgent conditions. In some cases, your Medicare Advantage plan will request your care is transferred to another facility once you are stabilized. Please note, in a medical emergency, you should always go to the nearest emergency department. Under federal law, emergency medical services are always covered at your plan's in-network benefit levels, even if the hospital is out-of-network.

If your doctor is a Baptist Health or Arkansas Health Group affiliated provider, you have 4 options:

1. Choose an in-network Medicare plan during Open Enrollment (more information provided below).
2. Pay for the full cost of your visit (starting January 1, 2027).
3. Transition your care to a new doctor that is in-network with your Medicare Advantage plan.  Your Medicare Advantage plan may transfer your primary care to an in-network physician.
4. Request temporary Continuity of Care coverage (if in active treatment): If you are undergoing active treatment for a serious or complex condition (such as chemotherapy, radiation, organ transplant care, or an already-scheduled surgery), you may qualify to continue seeing your Baptist Health provider at in-network copays and out-of-pocket costs for a temporary transition period (typically 30 to 90 days into 2027). You must call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to request a Continuity of Care form.

For 2027, Baptist Health is already contracted to be in-network with the following:

• Original Medicare – (800) 663-4227
• Blue Cross Blue Shield – (855) 591-9794
• Wellcare – (844) 480-0680
• Arkansas Integrated Providers – (866) 488-5457
• Essence – (866) 509-5398
• Humana – (888) 320-7791
• Tribute – (877) 372-1033
  
  

As of the date of this notice, UnitedHealthcare (which includes AARP) has not yet renewed with Baptist Health or Arkansas Health Group. While we are still in negotiations with UnitedHealthcare, it is possible they will not be in-network with Baptist Health or Arkansas Health Group for 2027. For any updates related to status from the date of receipt of these FAQ’s, please see our website, which may be located at https://www.baptist-health.org.

There are several ways to switch. You may switch plans online, through an agent/broker, or by phone. We suggest calling your agent to discuss the best options for your health care needs. If you do not have an agent or need additional help in selecting a plan, you may contact Chapter, a free and independent Medicare resource at 855-219-2855 or visit askchapter.org/baptisthealth.

The Annual Open Enrollment Period is from October 15, 2026 to December 7, 2026. After this point, the next opportunity to change is during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period which is from January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2027.

During the Annual Open Enrollment (October 15, 2026 to December 7, 2026), you can:

1. Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (consider enrolling in a Medigap plan as well)
2. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
3. Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to a different Medicare Advantage Plan

1. Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (consider enrolling in a Medigap plan as well).
2. Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.

1. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
2. Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you are in Original Medicare.
3. Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another if you are in Original Medicare.