UnitedHealthcare members no longer have in-network coverage for services at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, following the expiry of contracts between the insurance provider and the hospital. The breakdown in negotiations comes after several months of talks, leaving patients to potentially face higher out-of-pocket costs for their care.
The expired contracts affect both employer-sponsored commercial and exchange plans, as well as Medicare Advantage plans. USA Health CEO Natalie Fox confirmed that discussions had stalled after five months. “We understand how important uninterrupted access to care is for our patients,” Fox said, acknowledging the impact on local residents.
The hospital had previously warned in October that coverage could be at risk. While UnitedHealthcare has not yet commented on the situation, USA Health reassured patients that UnitedHealthcare policyholders will still have in-network insurance coverage at all other USA Health facilities, including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Freestanding Emergency Department, and all clinics.
Currently accepted insurance plans at Providence Hospital include:
| Insurance Provider | Plans Accepted |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama | Commercial, Medicare Advantage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi | Blue Card |
| Humana | ChoiceCare, Military Tricare (AL), Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO |
| Cigna | Commercial, Cigna HealthSpring (Medicare Advantage) |
| Aetna | Commercial, Medicare Advantage |
| Viva | Health, Medicare Advantage |
| Medicaid | Alabama, Mississippi |
| Medicare | Alabama, Railroad |
| Ambetter | Alabama, Mississippi Exchange/Marketplace plans |
| Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage |
| Magnolia | Mississippi Exchange Plan |
| Mississippi Physician Care Network (MPCN) | PPO |
| Molina | Mississippi CHIP, CAN, Exchange |
| Multiplan Inc | Alabama |
| Trucare of Mississippi | |
| Wellcare of Mississippi | Medicare Advantage |
“As a not-for-profit academic health system, USA Health relies on fair partnerships with insurance companies to continue offering advanced treatments, innovative research, and access to skilled providers for patients,” Fox added in a press statement.
This is not the first time UnitedHealthcare has had a dispute with an Alabama healthcare system. In October 2024, Huntsville Hospital Health System announced it was terminating its contract with UnitedHealthcare after “several months of disappointing negotiations.” A new agreement was reached a month later. Similarly, UAB Health System in Birmingham had a dispute in June 2024, but a tentative deal was struck just before the deadline in July, leading to a new multi-year agreement in August. Infirmary Health System in Mobile also went through a similar process earlier in 2024.