Health systems to drop Medicare Advantage plans in 2026

Twenty-nine health systems are scheduled to drop Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, citing issues such as reimbursement disputes, deal renegotiations, and prior authorization denials. While the number of terminated contracts is lower than in previous years, several major providers are exiting specific networks.

Naples Comprehensive Health, a top 50 American hospital, will move out-of-network with Centene’s Wellcare and Health Care Service Corporation’s HealthSpring plans in 2027. Other facilities, including Lee Health in Florida, Fairview Health Services in Minnesota, the University of Miami Health System, and CarolinaEast Medical Center in North Carolina, are terminating contracts with UnitedHealthcare at the end of 2026.

UnitedHealthcare stated it is actively negotiating with most providers to renew relationships, noting that the majority of contract negotiations result in renewed agreements. However, providers like Lee Health have identified UnitedHealthcare’s authorization and denial processes as a central concern for patient care.