Our work with UnitedHealthcare

At ECU Health, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. We are committed to making sure our patients have access to the high-quality care our providers and hospitals deliver every day.

For several months, we have been working with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to reach new agreements on our Commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid contracts. Contract negotiations like these are a normal part of health care, and our goal is to secure a fair agreement that preserves your in-network access to ECU Health providers and facilities.

It is important to note that nothing changes today. You can continue to receive care from ECU Health providers and hospitals as you normally would while negotiations continue. Visit this page for ongoing updates about negotiations.

  • For more information about UnitedHealthcare Commercial plans, click here.
  • For more information about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, click here.
  • For more information about UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans, click here.

UnitedHealthcare Commercial Contracts

Like many rural health systems across the country, ECU Health is facing rising costs and ongoing policy changes that affect how care is delivered and reimbursed. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your health insurance company, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), regarding the commercial contract that provides you with in-network access to care at ECU Health.

What You Need to Know

It is important to note that nothing changes today. You can continue to receive care from ECU Health providers and hospitals as you normally would while negotiations continue.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UHC plans. Because we want you to have clear and timely information, we have outlined important dates below. While some of these dates extend into next year, we are sharing them now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care and to plan accordingly.

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Emergency care at ECU Health will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of these negotiations.

What You Can Do Today

  • If you receive UHC insurance through your employer, talk to your Human Resources or Benefits Department and urge them to contact UnitedHealthcare and let them know you want to keep insurance coverage for the ECU Health providers and services you know and trust.
  • Call UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of your insurance card to express how important it is to you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
  • For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to know that nothing changes today. You can continue receiving care at ECU Health at in-network rates while negotiations continue.

ECU Health has been in ongoing discussions with your health insurance plan provider, UnitedHealthcare. We are working to reach an agreement that maintains your in-network access to the providers and services you depend on. If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UHC commercial plans on the following dates:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.

Contract negotiations like these are a normal part of health care, and our goal is to secure a fair agreement that preserves your in-network access to ECU Health providers and facilities. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare, regarding our commercial contract.

We have been working with UnitedHealthcare for some time, with the hope of reaching an agreement without the need to cause concern for patients. However, since we have been unable to reach an agreement, we are reaching out now to ensure you have plenty of time to understand what this could mean for your care and plan accordingly.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UnitedHealthcare commercial plans. In the event our contracts expire before an agreement is reached, ECU Health may be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Emergency care at ECU Health will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of these negotiations.

If ECU Health becomes out of network, your out-of-pocket costs may increase depending on your specific plan.

We’re still in discussions because we want to reach an agreement that truly supports patient access and our long-term ability to provide care. These conversations can take time, and we continue working toward a resolution.

To protect your right to continue receiving care at ECU Health:

You can share your perspective with UnitedHealthcare by calling the number on the back of your insurance card and letting them know how important it is for you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.

If you receive coverage through your employer, you may also consider speaking with your Human Resources or Benefits Department and asking them to contact UnitedHealthcare about maintaining access to ECU Health.

Yes, you should keep all scheduled appointments and procedures with ECU Health and not delay any routine health screenings or tests that are important to your health. Emergency care is always provided at the in-network rate, regardless of these negotiations or our network status.

Yes. This negotiation impacts all UnitedHealthcare plans, including out-of-state plans. In the event we go out of network, ECU Health physicians may be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network beginning April 29 and all ECU Health hospitals and facilities on July 15 of this year. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians (formerly ECU physicians) who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.

Today, you should continue visiting ECU Health providers and facilities, just as you always have. We are still in negotiations and doing everything we can to stay in UnitedHealthcare’s network and maintain your in-network access to the providers and services you trust. If you have questions about a procedure scheduled at one of our facilities, please call your provider’s office directly.

Certain health conditions may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits, which would allow you to receive ongoing medical care at ECU Health at in-network rates for a period of up to 90 days, or through completion of a course of treatment.

Eligibility for Continuity of Care is determined by UnitedHealthcare. To find out if you qualify, please call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare insurance card and ask about continuity of care options.

Yes. Emergency services are covered at in-network benefit levels under federal law, regardless of ECU Health’s status.

Yes. If the contract expires without a new agreement, all ECU Health urgent care centers will become out of network. Emergency departments, however, are always covered at in‑network benefit levels under federal law.

No. Our contract negotiations with UnitedHealthcare do not change the benefits or health plan you selected.

Your coverage, deductibles, copays and coinsurance remain the same under your UnitedHealthcare plan. The only potential change, if we are unable to reach an agreement, would be whether ECU Health is considered in network under your plan. Right now, nothing changes.

You can continue receiving care at ECU Health at in-network rates while negotiations continue.

Right now, no. Your out-of-pocket costs do not change while negotiations are ongoing. You can continue to receive care at ECU Health the same way you do today.

If we are unable to reach a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare before the out-of-network dates, your out-of-pocket costs could increase depending on your specific plan and the type of care you receive. We wanted to share this information now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care, and to plan accordingly.

If anything changes in the future, ECU Health will help you understand what it means for your specific situation and what options may be available to you.

Yes. You can continue to see ECU Health providers. Your plan’s out-of-network benefits don’t determine whether you can receive care at ECU Health; they affect how your insurance covers that care and what you may pay out of pocket if services are considered out of network. Coverage and costs vary by plan, so we recommend confirming your specific benefits with UnitedHealthcare.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Contracts

Like many rural health systems across the country, ECU Health is facing rising costs and ongoing policy changes that affect how care is delivered and reimbursed. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your health insurance company, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), regarding the Medicare Advantage contract that provides you with in-network access to care at ECU Health.

What You Need to Know

It is important to note that nothing changes today. You can continue to receive care from ECU Health providers and hospitals as you normally would while negotiations continue.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UHC plans. Because we want you to have clear and timely information, we have outlined important dates below. While some of these dates extend into next year, we are sharing them now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care and to plan accordingly.

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Emergency care at ECU Health will continue to be covered at the in-network rate, regardless of these negotiations.

What You Can Do Today

  • From now until March 31, 2026, individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans may make a one-time change to their insurance plan. To explore your options and see which 2026 Medicare plans include ECU Health, call Chapter, an independent, licensed Medicare broker, at +1 (910) 781-8366 or visit askchapter.org/ecu. Chapter’s advisors can walk you through your choices and help you enroll in a new plan if you choose.
  • Call UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of your insurance card to express how important it is to you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
  • For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to know that nothing changes today. You can continue receiving care at ECU Health at in-network rates while negotiations continue.

ECU Health has been in ongoing discussions with your health insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare. We are working to reach an agreement that maintains your in-network access to the providers and services you depend on. If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans on the following dates:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.

Contract negotiations like these are a normal part of health care, and our goal is to secure a fair agreement that preserves your in-network access to ECU Health providers and facilities. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare, regarding our Medicare Advantage contracts.

We have been working with UnitedHealthcare for some time, with the hope of reaching an agreement without the need to cause concern for patients. However, since we have been unable to reach an agreement, we are reaching out now to ensure you have plenty of time to understand what this could mean for your care and plan accordingly.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. In the event our contract expires before an agreement is reached, ECU Health may be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Effective July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.

This could cause you to pay more out of pocket to continue receiving health care from ECU Health physicians you trust.

We’re still in discussions because we want to reach an agreement that truly supports patient access and our long-term ability to provide care. These conversations can take time, and we continue working toward a resolution.

To protect your right to continue receiving care at ECU Health:

You can review your Medicare options during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment. From now until March 31, 2026, individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans may make a one-time change to their coverage. To explore your options and see which 2026 Medicare plans include ECU Health, call Chapter, an independent, licensed Medicare broker, at +1 (910) 781-8366 or visit askchapter.org/ecu. Chapter’s advisors can walk you through your choices and help you enroll in a new plan if you choose.

You can share your perspective with UnitedHealthcare by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to express how important it is to you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.

Yes, you should keep all scheduled appointments and procedures with ECU Health and not delay any routine health screenings or tests that are important to your health.

Emergency care at ECU Health will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of these negotiations or our network status.

No, if you have a Medicare Supplemental plan, it will not be impacted.

Today, you should continue visiting ECU Health providers and facilities, just as you always have. We are still in negotiations and doing everything we can to stay in UnitedHealthcare’s network and maintain your in-network access to the providers and services you trust. If you have questions about a procedure scheduled at one of our facilities, please call your provider’s office directly.

We will reach out to patients directly about the Continuity of Care process for Medicare Advantage patients closer to the out-of-network period.

Yes. If the contract expires without a new agreement, all ECU Health urgent care centers will become out of network. Emergency departments, however, are always covered at in‑network benefit levels under federal law.

Yes. Emergency services are covered at in-network benefit levels under federal law, regardless of ECU Health’s status.

Yes. You will maintain your insurance coverage, but if ECU Health’s contract expires before an agreement is reached, ECU Health providers and facilities would be considered out of network under your UnitedHealthcare plan. If you want to continue seeing an ECU Health provider or stay in our hospital, UnitedHealthcare may require you to use out-of-network benefits, if available, or pay out of pocket.

Right now, no. Your out-of-pocket costs do not change while negotiations are ongoing. You can continue to receive care at ECU Health the same way you do today.

If we are unable to achieve a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare before the out-of-network dates, your out-of-pocket costs could increase depending on your specific plan and the type of care you receive. We wanted to share this information now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care and to plan accordingly.

If anything changes in the future, ECU Health will help you understand what it means for your specific situation and what options may be available to you.

Your deductible or maximum out-of-pocket status does not change. However, if ECU Health becomes out of network, UnitedHealthcare may apply different benefit levels for out-of-network care. We recommend contacting UnitedHealthcare to understand how your specific plan would apply.

This negotiation affects UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. If ECU Health becomes out of network with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, ECU Health providers and facilities would be considered out of network under your Medicare Advantage plan.

If you also have Medicaid as secondary coverage, your Medicaid eligibility does not change. However, how your secondary coverage may depend on your specific plan. We recommend contacting UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card, and your Medicaid plan administrator, to understand how your benefits would apply.

This does not affect Original Medicare (Part A or Part B) or Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) plans.

Yes. Patients with Medicare Advantage coverage have several opportunities to modify their plans.

A one-time change to Medicare coverage may be made during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31. During this time, patients may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or revert to Original Medicare. Changes submitted within this period take effect on the first day of the month following the enrollment month. For instance, if a change is made in February, coverage will commence on March 1.

If you would like assistance reviewing your options, you may contact Chapter, an independent, licensed Medicare broker, at +1 (910) 781-8366 or visit askchapter.org/ecu. Chapter’s advisors can help you compare plans and enroll in a new plan if you choose.

To explore your options and see which 2026 Medicare plans are right for you, call Chapter, an independent, licensed Medicare broker, at +1 (910) 781-8366 or visit askchapter.org/ecu. Chapter’s advisors can walk you through your choices and help you enroll in a new plan if you choose.

UnitedHealthcare Medicaid Contracts

Like many rural health systems across the country, ECU Health is facing rising costs and ongoing policy changes that affect how care is delivered and reimbursed. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your health insurance company, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), regarding the Medicaid contract that provides you with in-network access to care at ECU Health.

What You Need to Know

It is important to note that nothing changes today. You can continue to receive care from ECU Health providers and hospitals as you normally would while negotiations continue.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UHC plans. Because we want you to have clear and timely information, we have outlined important dates below. While some of these dates extend into next year, we are sharing them now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care and to plan accordingly.

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians, hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.
  • Emergency care at ECU Health will continue to be covered at in-network rates, regardless of these negotiations.
  • Your Medicaid eligibility does not change. This does not affect whether you qualify for Medicaid or your ability to stay enrolled.

What You Can Do Today

  • If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan and would like to explore other plan options that include ECU Health, you can contact the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker: Visit https://ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/enroll or call 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 711). The Enrollment Broker can explain your options and help you change health plans if you are eligible to do so.
  • Call UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of your insurance card to express how important it is to you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
  • For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to know that nothing changes today. You can continue receiving care at ECU Health at in-network rates while negotiations continue.

ECU Health has been in ongoing discussions with your health insurance plan provider, UnitedHealthcare. We are working to reach an agreement that maintains your in-network access to the providers and services you depend on. If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans on the following dates:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians, hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.

Contract negotiations like these are a normal part of health care, and our goal is to secure a fair agreement that preserves your in-network access to ECU Health providers and facilities. As part of our responsibility to protect access to care for our communities, we are currently in discussions with your insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare, regarding our Medicaid contracts.

We have been working with UnitedHealthcare for some time, with the hope of reaching an agreement without the need to cause concern for patients. However, since we have been unable to reach an agreement, we are reaching out now to ensure you have plenty of time to understand what this could mean for your care and plan accordingly.

If we are unable to reach an agreement on a contract, ECU Health providers and facilities may become out of network for patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans. In the event our contract expires before an agreement is reached, ECU Health may be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network:

  • Effective April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians, hospitals, clinics and facilities may no longer be in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
  • Effective Feb. 15, 2027, some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (formerly ECU physicians) may no longer be in network with UHC.

We’re still in discussions with UnitedHealthcare because we want to reach an agreement that truly supports patient access and our long-term ability to provide care. These conversations can take time, and we’re continuing to work toward a resolution.

To protect your right to continue receiving care at ECU Health:

If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan and would like to explore other plan options that include ECU Health, you can:

  • Contact the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker. You can visit https://ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/enroll or call 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 711). The Enrollment Broker can explain your options and help you change health plans if you are eligible to do so.
  • View plans that include ECU Health. If you would like to see a list of Medicaid plans that ECU Health participates with in 2026, see below.
  • You can share your perspective with UHC by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to express how important it is to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.

Yes, you should keep all scheduled appointments and procedures with ECU Health and not delay any routine health screenings or tests that are important to your health.

Emergency care at ECU Health will be covered at the in-network rate, regardless of these negotiations or our network status.

You should continue visiting ECU Health providers and facilities, just as you always have. We are still in negotiations and doing everything we can to stay in UnitedHealthcare’s network and maintain your in-network access to the providers and services you trust. If you have questions about a procedure scheduled at one of our facilities, please call your provider’s office directly.

Certain health conditions may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits, which would allow you to receive ongoing medical care at ECU Health at in-network rates for a period of up to 90 days, or through completion of a course of treatment.

Eligibility for Continuity of Care is determined by UnitedHealthcare. To find out if you qualify, please call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare insurance card and ask about Continuity of Care options.

Yes. Emergency services are covered at in-network benefit levels under federal law, regardless of ECU Health’s status.

No. These contract negotiations do not change your Medicaid eligibility or benefits. The services covered under your Medicaid plan remain the same. The only potential change, if an agreement is not reached, would be whether ECU Health is considered in network under your plan.

Yes. Your Medicaid coverage and eligibility do not change as a result of these negotiations.

If ECU Health’s contract with UnitedHealthcare Medicaid expires before an agreement is reached, ECU Health providers and facilities would be considered out of network under your UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan.

To understand more about your specific plan, we recommend contacting UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance card.

Right now, no. Your out-of-pocket costs do not change while negotiations are ongoing. You can continue to receive care at ECU Health the same way you do today.

If we are unable to achieve a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare before the out-of-network dates, your out-of-pocket costs could increase depending on your specific plan and the type of care you receive. We wanted to share this information now so you have ample time to understand what this could mean for your care and to plan accordingly.

If anything changes in the future, ECU Health will help you understand what it means for your specific situation and what options may be available to you.

No. Your Medicaid eligibility does not change. This does not affect whether you qualify for Medicaid or your ability to stay enrolled.

Medicaid has specific enrollment periods. If you are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan and would like to explore other plan options that include ECU Health, you can:

  • Contact the NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker. Visit https://ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/enroll or call 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 711). The Enrollment Broker can explain your options and help you change health plans if you are eligible to do so.
  • View plans that include ECU Health. If you would like to see a list of Medicaid plans that ECU Health participates with in 2026, see below.

Your Medicaid benefits remain active, but services at ECU Health may be billed as out‑of‑network if a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare isn’t reached. Contact UnitedHealthcare Medicaid at the number on the back of your insurance card to understand how your plan handles out‑of‑network care.

Accepted Insurance Plans

ECU Health has network agreements with many health insurance companies.

ECU Health accepts the following health plans:

Major Insurers

Medicaid Behavioral Health

Managed Medicaid

Your care is our top priority, and we are working hard to ensure you can continue seeing your trusted ECU Health providers with no disruption in service. We will continue to keep you informed throughout the process. In the event our contract expires before an agreement is reached, we’ll let you know. If you have additional questions, call our dedicated community information line at 833-216-3258.