Important Information for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Members
Brown Health’s Rhode Island physicians and hospitals will be out of network for United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans, except for United’s Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) and Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP) effective July 1, 2026. Brown Health aimed to reach an agreement that provided fair reimbursement and less administrative burden for patients. While we made every effort to reach a fair agreement, UnitedHealthcare ultimately chose to end negotiations.
This means that as of July 1, 2026, all of Brown Health Medical Group’s Rhode Island physicians, specialists, and hospitals are considered "out of network" for members of United’s Medicare Advantage plan.
What You Need to Know
Please note that this does not impact Brown University Health physicians and hospitals in Massachusetts, which remain in network.
1. Costs may increase for some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members.
If you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs for physician, specialty and hospital services at Brown Health after July 1, 2026.
Contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-711-0646 or visit United’s website to understand your specific coverage and financial responsibility.
2. Patients can still receive emergency services and go to Brown Health Urgent Care facilities.
3. There is no impact on other insurance types.
This change does not affect patients with with United Healthcare’s:
- Commercial plans
- Medicaid plans
- Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) Medicare Advantage plan)
- Institutional Special Needs Plans (ISNP)
All services remain in-network for these insurance types.
4. Continuity of care may be available.
Some patients may qualify for temporary protections to continue receiving care with Brown Health physicians.
Call UnitedHealthcare to find out if you are eligible.