Our work with UnitedHealthcare
Update as of April 29, 2026: Despite our efforts, as of April 29, 2026, ECU Health is out of network with UnitedHealthcare. For Medicaid patients, this applies to all ECU Health providers (except former ECU Physicians clinics), hospitals, clinics and facilities. For Medicare Advantage and Commercial patients, changes are occurring in phases, beginning with ECU Health Physician Group providers and expanding to additional services over time.
For nearly a year, we have worked in good faith to reach an agreement with UHC that would preserve in-network access for our patients. Throughout this process, we have made every effort to engage constructively and move negotiations forward. However, those efforts have been met with delays, limited responsiveness, and proposals that do not reflect the realities of providing care in our region.
We understand that being out of network with UHC may create challenges and disruptions for many of our patients, and we want to be clear that this is not the outcome we hoped for.
As of April 29, UnitedHealthcare has not updated their online member directories and provider partner portals, creating even more confusion for their members. Therefore, UHC members may see certain ECU Health providers and entities listed as ‘in-network” when, in fact, they are now out-of-network with UHC.
In addition, patients with UHC coverage are encouraged to contact UHC about continuity of care, securing approval for out-of-network coverage and obtaining post-termination authorization letters.
- 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.
Key Facts You Should Know
ECU Health remains committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina and ensuring patients across our region have access to high-quality care close to home.
- ECU Health hospitals went seven years without a facility rate increase, and most other years saw increases well below health care inflation.
- Physicians across our system went six to nine years without reimbursement increases. During this same period, the inflationary costs of providing care rose dramatically.
- Rather than addressing this long-standing gap, UnitedHealthcare responded with a proposal that includes a significant double-digit payment reduction. In other words, after years of stagnant reimbursement that failed to keep pace with the rising cost of care, UnitedHealthcare’s proposal would further reduce payments to ECU Health. The proposal would also result in UnitedHealthcare paying lower rates than any other insurer in the market. ECU Health cannot provide 2026 care at 2017 rates.
- UnitedHealthcare has referenced a cumulative multi-year rate increase of 58% to describe ECU Health’s proposal. That figure reflects adjustments phased in over several years intended to address more than a decade of stagnant reimbursement. Had UnitedHealthcare previously increased payments gradually over time in line with health care inflation, reimbursement levels today would already be close to what ECU Health is seeking. In other words, UnitedHealthcare is acknowledging that they have been underpaying ECU Health by 58% relative to inflation-adjusted market averages.
- ECU Health provides care across a large and predominantly rural region where access to health care services is essential for local communities. Proposals that reduce reimbursement further would make it increasingly difficult to maintain services that patients rely on.
- ECU Health remains willing to continue discussions if UnitedHealthcare is prepared to pursue a sustainable path forward.
- Patients with a UnitedHealthcare medical plan can continue receiving in-network care at ECU Health during the negotiation process.
UnitedHealthcare Commercial Contracts
For nearly a year, we have worked in good faith to reach an agreement with UHC that would preserve in-network access for our patients. Throughout this process, we have made every effort to engage constructively and move negotiations forward. However, those efforts have been met with delays, limited responsiveness, and proposals that do not reflect the realities of providing care in our region.
Despite our best efforts, as of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers are out of network for all UHC commercial plans.
What You Need to Know
- As of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers (doctor visits and professional services, such as office appointments or seeing a specialist) are no longer in network with UHC.
- ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities (hospital care, including surgeries, imaging, tests and inpatient stays) will remain in network until July 15, 2026. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network until February 15, 2027.
- Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
Care provided by ECU Health will be considered out of network by UHC on and after the dates listed above. Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
Continuity of Care
If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care protections may allow you to continue receiving services on an in-network basis for a defined period of time.
This may apply to patients who are in active treatment, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer treatment
- Ongoing treatment for a complex medical condition
Determinations about continuity of care eligibility and approvals are made by UHC. ECU Health does not control these decisions. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
What You Can Do Today
- If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services at in-network rates for a defined period of time after a provider or facility becomes out of network. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite our best efforts, as of April 29, 2026, ECU Health is out of network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC). For patients with UHC Commercial plans this means:
- Beginning April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians are no longer in network with UHC.
- ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities will remain in network with UHC until July 15, 2026. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services will also be impacted on this date.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network with UHC until February 15, 2027.
This means your insurance may cover services differently depending on where you receive care and the type of service.
Please remember that emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. For nearly a year, we worked to find a solution that would keep ECU Health in network for patients while also ensuring we can continue providing high-quality care across eastern North Carolina.
Like many health systems, especially in rural communities, ECU Health is facing rising costs to deliver care, including staffing, supplies and maintaining hospitals and clinics. At the same time, payments from UHC have not kept pace with those costs.
We could not agree to a contract that would make it harder to sustain services or limit access to care for the communities we serve. ECU Health cannot accept terms that would undermine access to care for the communities we serve.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract that reflects the cost of providing care in our region.
ECU Health proposed terms that would help address years of rising costs and ensure we can continue delivering care across eastern North Carolina. UHC’s proposals, including payment reductions, did not support that goal.
Because of these differences, we were unable to finalize a new agreement.
To protect your right to continue receiving care at ECU Health:
- If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services on an in-network basis for a defined period of time after a provider or facility becomes out of network. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- If you receive coverage through your employer, you may consider speaking with your employer’s Human Resources or Benefits Department and asking them to contact UnitedHealthcare about maintaining access to ECU Health.
- You can share your perspective with UnitedHealthcare by calling the number on the back of your insurance identification card and letting them know how important it is for you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
You may continue to see your ECU Health providers. However, whether those services are considered in network or out of network will depend on the type of care, the provider and the location. Please contact your provider’s office and they can help guide you and review your options based on your specific situation.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network status.
Yes. This impacts all UnitedHealthcare plans, including out-of-state plans. For out-of-state commercial plans the following dates apply:
As of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers are no longer in network with UHC. This means patients could pay more for doctor visits and professional services, such as office appointments or seeing a specialist.
As of July 15, 2026, ECU Health hospitals and facilities are no longer in network with UHC. This means patients may pay more for hospital care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, imaging, tests and inpatient stays.
In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians (legacy ECU Physicians) who provide hospital‑based or procedural services will remain in network until Feb. 15, 2027.
If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. If approved by UHC, this may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC has expired.
This may apply to patients in active treatment, such as pregnancy, cancer care or treatment for a complex medical condition. To request continuity of care, you should contact UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of your insurance identification card and ask for a continuity of care form. You and your provider may both need to complete portions of the form for UHC to review.
Eligibility and approval are determined by UnitedHealthcare. We encourage you to begin this process as soon as possible to help avoid any disruption in your care.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- Print the UCH continuity of care/Transition of Care Form
- Download the form directly from UHC here
- Complete the “Member” portion of the form
- Give the signed form to your provider to complete the Care Provider section; your provider signs the form.
- Provider office scans the completed form into your health record and then submits it to UHC on your behalf.
You can also call 833-216-3258 for additional information and support.
Once submitted, UHC will review your request and make a determination. You will be notified directly by UHC if your request is approved. If approved, continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC expires.
Yes. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network status.
All of ECU Health’s facilities will be out of UHC’s network for patients with Commercial plans beginning July 15, 2026.
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.
Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
Your coverage depends on both the physician and the location of the service. Because different ECU Health physicians and locations may go out-of-network at different times, it is important for you to contact UnitedHealthcare to understand your eligibility. Prior approval from UnitedHealthcare is required for appointments that are out of network.
If an out-of-network visit is not approved by UnitedHealthcare, the visit will be considered self-pay, and the patient is responsible for payment.
ECU Health cannot determine whether you are eligible for out-of-network benefits. To find out your plan options, please contact UnitedHealthcare directly by calling the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Contracts
For nearly a year, we have worked in good faith to reach an agreement with UHC that would preserve in-network access for our patients. Throughout this process, we have made every effort to engage constructively and move negotiations forward. However, those efforts have been met with delays, limited responsiveness, and proposals that do not reflect the realities of providing care in our region.
Despite our best efforts, as of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers are out of network for all UHC Medicare Advantage plans.
What You Need to Know
- As of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers (doctor visits and professional services, such as office appointments or seeing a specialist) are no longer in network with UHC.
- ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities (hospital care, including surgeries, imaging, tests and inpatient stays) will remain in network until July 15, 2026. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted on this date.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network until February 15, 2027.
- Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
Care provided by ECU Health will be considered out of network by UHC on and after the dates listed above. Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
Continuity of Care
If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care protections may allow you to continue receiving services on an in-network basis for a defined period of time.
This may apply to patients who are in active treatment, such as:
- Active cancer treatment
- Ongoing treatment for a complex medical condition
Determinations about continuity of care eligibility and approvals are made by UHC. ECU Health does not control these decisions. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
What You Can Do Today
- If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services at in-network rates for a defined period of time after a provider or facility becomes out of network. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite our best efforts, ECU Health is currently out of network with UnitedHealthcare. For Medicare Advantage plans this means:
- As of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers are no longer in network with UHC.
- ECU Health hospitals, clinics and facilities will remain in network with UHC until July 15, 2026. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services will also be impacted on this date.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network with UHC until February 15, 2027.
This means your insurance may cover services differently depending on where you receive care and the type of service.
Please remember that emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. For nearly a year, we worked to find a solution that would keep ECU Health in network for patients while also ensuring we can continue providing high-quality care across eastern North Carolina.
Like many health systems, especially in rural communities, ECU Health is facing rising costs to deliver care, including staffing, supplies and maintaining hospitals and clinics. At the same time, payments from UHC have not kept pace with those costs.
We could not agree to a contract that would make it harder to sustain services or limit access to care for the communities we serve. ECU Health cannot accept terms that would undermine access to care for the communities we serve.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract that reflects the cost of providing care in our region.
ECU Health proposed terms that would help address years of rising costs and ensure we can continue delivering care across eastern North Carolina. UHC’s proposals, including payment reductions, did not support that goal.
Because of these differences, we were unable to finalize a new agreement.
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 identification card to express how important it is to you to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
- If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services at in-network rates for a defined period of time after a provider or facility becomes out of network. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
You may continue to see your ECU Health providers, however, whether those services are considered in network or out of network will depend on the type of care, the provider and the location. Your care team can help guide you and review your options based on your specific situation.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network status.
No, if you have a Medicare Supplemental plan, it will not be impacted.
If you are currently receiving treatment for an ongoing health condition, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. If approved by UnitedHealthcare (UHC), this may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC is expired.
This may apply to patients in active treatment, such as cancer care or treatment for a complex medical condition. To request continuity of care, you should contact UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of your insurance identification card and ask for a continuity of care form. You and your provider may both need to complete portions of the form for UHC to review.
Eligibility and approval are determined by UnitedHealthcare. We encourage you to begin this process as soon as possible to help avoid any disruption in your care.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- Print the UCH continuity of care/Transition of Care Form
- Download the form directly from UHC here
- Complete the “Member” portion of form
- Give the signed form to your provider to complete the Care Provider section; your provider signs the form.
- Provider office scans the completed form into your health record and then submits it to UHC on your behalf.
You can also call 833-216-3258 for additional information and support.
Once submitted, UHC will review your request and make a determination. You will be notified directly by UHC if your request is approved. If approved, continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC expires.
All of ECU Health’s facilities will be out of UHC’s network for patients with Medicare Advantage plans beginning July 15, 2026.
Yes. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network status.
Yes. You will maintain your UnitedHealthcare insurance coverage, but ECU Health providers are considered out of network under your UnitedHealthcare plan. If you want to continue seeing an ECU Health provider, UHC may require you to use out-of-network benefits, if available, or pay out of pocket.
Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
Your deductible or maximum out-of-pocket status does not change. However, while ECU Health providers are out of network, UnitedHealthcare may apply different benefit levels for out-of-network care. We recommend contacting UHC to understand how your specific plan would apply.
This negotiation affects UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. ECU Health providers are considered out of network under your Medicare Advantage plan.
If you also have Medicaid as secondary coverage, your Medicaid eligibility does not change. However, your secondary coverage may depend on your specific plan. We recommend contacting UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance identification 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.
UnitedHealthcare Medicaid Contracts
For nearly a year, we have worked in good faith to reach an agreement with UHC that would preserve in-network access for our patients. Throughout this process, we have made every effort to engage constructively and move negotiations forward. However, those efforts have been met with delays, limited responsiveness, and proposals that do not reflect the realities of providing care in our region.
Despite our best efforts, as of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Medical Group physicians, hospitals, clinics and facilities are out-of-network for all UHC Medicaid plans.
What You Need to Know
- As of April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers (doctor visits and professional services, such as office appointments or seeing a specialist), hospitals, clinics and facilities (hospital care, including surgeries, imaging, tests and inpatient stays) are no longer in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services may also be impacted.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network until Feb. 15, 2027.
- Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
Care provided by ECU Health will be considered out of network by UHC on and after the dates listed above. Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
Continuity of Care
If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care protections may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services on an in-network basis for a defined period of time after a provider or facility becomes out of network.
This may apply to patients who are in active treatment, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer treatment
- Ongoing treatment for a complex medical condition
Determinations about continuity of care eligibility and approvals are made by UHC. ECU Health does not control these decisions. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
What You Can Do Today
- You can choose a different Medicaid health plan that is in-network with ECU Health. Coverage under your new Medicaid plan would begin immediately, so you can continue receiving care without a gap in coverage. We encourage you to explore your options as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in care. We’ve included the following resources below:
- Submit an online form to change your plan at ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/submit-forms-online
- For further assistance, call 866-534-6699 to speak to an Elevate PFS Medicaid Eligibility representative.
- For any other questions, call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite our best efforts, ECU Health is currently out of network with UnitedHealthcare. For Medicaid plans this means:
- Beginning April 29, 2026, ECU Health Physician Group providers, hospitals, clinics and facilities are no longer in network with UHC. In addition, some ECU Health–affiliated specialty physicians who provide hospital-based or procedural services will also be impacted.
- Some ECU Health–affiliated physician practices (legacy ECU Physicians) will remain in network with UHC until Feb. 15, 2027.
This means your insurance may cover services differently depending on where you receive care and the type of service.
Please remember that emergency care will be covered at in-network rates at ECU Health, regardless of these negotiations.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. For nearly a year, we worked to find a solution that would keep ECU Health in network for patients while also ensuring we can continue providing high-quality care across eastern North Carolina.
Like many health systems, especially in rural communities, ECU Health is facing rising costs to deliver care, including staffing, supplies and maintaining hospitals and clinics. At the same time, payments from UHC have not kept pace with those costs.
We could not agree to a contract that would make it harder to sustain services or limit access to care for the communities we serve. ECU Health cannot accept terms that would undermine access to care for the communities we serve.
ECU Health and UHC were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract that reflects the cost of providing care in our region.
ECU Health proposed terms that would help address years of rising costs and ensure we can continue delivering care across eastern North Carolina. UHC’s proposals, including payment reductions, did not support that goal.
Because of these differences, we were unable to finalize a new agreement.
- You can choose a different Medicaid health plan that is in-network with ECU Health. Coverage under your new Medicaid plan would begin immediately, so you can continue receiving care without a gap in coverage. We encourage you to explore your options as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in care. We’ve included the following resources below:
- Submit an online form to change your plan at ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/submit-forms-online
- For further assistance, call 866-534-6699 to speak to an Elevate PFS Medicaid Eligibility representative.
- 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 the list below.
- You can share your perspective with UHC by calling the number on the back of your insurance identification card to express how important it is to maintain in-network access to ECU Health providers and services.
- If you are currently receiving treatment for certain ongoing health conditions, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive services on an in-network basis for a defined period of time after ECU Health becomes out of network. If you believe you may qualify, we encourage you to contact UHC directly using the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
You should contact UnitedHealthcare to understand your specific coverage and any required approvals before your visit.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network status.
If you are currently receiving treatment for an ongoing health condition, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. If approved by UnitedHealthcare (UHC), this may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC is expired.
This may apply to patients in active treatment, such as pregnancy, cancer care or treatment for a complex medical condition. To request continuity of care, you should contact UHC using the number on the back of your insurance identification card and ask for a continuity of care form. You and your provider may both need to complete portions of the form for UHC to review.
Eligibility and approval are determined by UHC. We encourage you to begin this process as soon as possible to help avoid any disruption in your care.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
- Print the UCH continuity of care/Transition of Care Form
- Download the form directly from UHC here
- Complete the “Member” portion of form
- Give the signed form to your provider to complete the Care Provider section; your provider signs the form.
- Provider office scans the completed form into your health record and then submits it to UHC on your behalf.
You can also call 833-216-3258 for additional information and support.
Once submitted, UHC will review your request and make a determination. You will be notified directly by UHC if your request is approved. If approved, continuity of care may allow you to continue seeing your ECU Health provider and receive care on an in-network basis for a defined period of time, even if our contract with UHC is expired.
Yes. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not delay care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care will be covered at in-network rates, regardless of our network 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 change is that ECU Health is not considered in network under your current plan.
Yes. Your Medicaid coverage and eligibility do not change as a result of these negotiations.
To understand more about your specific plan, we recommend contacting UnitedHealthcare at the number on the back of your insurance identification card.
Depending on your plan, UHC may pay a reduced amount, or no amount, for your care and you may be responsible for a greater portion.
If you are not approved for continuity of care, you may be responsible for these costs, although financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
If you have a qualifying condition and your continuity of care request is denied by UHC, you can file an appeal with UHC. If you have questions, contact UHC at the number on the back of your insurance card.
No. Your Medicaid eligibility does not change. This does not affect whether you qualify for Medicaid or your ability to stay enrolled.
Yes. You can choose a different Medicaid health plan that is in-network with ECU Health. Coverage under your new Medicaid plan would begin immediately, so you can continue receiving care without a gap in coverage. We encourage you to explore your options as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in care. We’ve included the following resources below:
- Submit an online form to change your plan at ncmedicaidplans.gov/en/submit-forms-online
- For further assistance, call 866-534-6699 to speak to an Elevate PFS Medicaid Eligibility representative.
- 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 the list 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 UHC Medicaid at the number on the back of your insurance identification 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
- Aetna
- Inclusive of State Health Plan members
- Aetna First Health (rental network)
- Cigna Healthcare HMO/OAP/PPO
- MedCost
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
- United Healthcare
- ECU Health Physicians termination date: April 29, 2026
- Facilities termination date: July 15, 2026
- ECUP (legacy ECU Physicians) termination date: Feb. 15, 2027
Medicaid Behavioral Health
Managed Medicaid
- Healthy Blue
- AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina
- Carolina Complete Health (WellCare)
- UHC Community
- ECU Health Physicians termination date: April 29, 2026
- Facilities/Ancillary termination date: April 29, 2026
- ECUP (legacy ECU Physicians) termination date: Feb. 15, 2027
Military
Behavioral Health
Medicare Advantage Plans
- Aetna Medicare Advantage
- Blue Medicare
- Liberty Medicare Advantage
- Longevity Health
- Pruitt Health
- United Healthcare
- ECU Health Physicians termination date: April 29, 2026
- Facilities termination date: July 15, 2026
- ECUP (legacy ECU Physicians) termination date: Feb. 15, 2027
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.