For 14 days in early April, patients at White River Health in Batesville, Arkansas who held UnitedHealthcare insurance faced a significant coverage disruption. White River Health went out of network for UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage members on April 1, 2026 after the two sides failed to reach a contract agreement by the March 31 deadline. The standoff ended on April 14, 2026. White River Health announced a new two-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare covering commercial plans, along with an extension for Medicare Advantage plans through December 31, 2026. In-network access is fully restored. Any care received between April 1 and April 14 will be covered at in-network rates retroactively. White River Health serves Batesville and surrounding communities of north-central Arkansas. Approximately 10,000 of its patients are covered under UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. The 14-day gap generated significant concern. State Representative Shad Pearce described the impact. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh expressed concern about economic ripple effects. Physicians noted that patients undergoing radiation therapy would have faced significant travel burdens. The dispute...
Source: https://www.liveinsurancenews.com/north-arkansass-largest-hospital/8571762/
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