Carriers & the market
UnitedHealthcare and NewYork-Presbyterian Extend Contract Again, This Time Through August 31 Only
The two sides announced another short-term extension today, the latest in a series stretching back to January 2026. If no permanent deal is signed by the end of August 31, most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members will lose in-network access to NYP hospitals and clinics starting September 1.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamAugust 25, 2026
NewYork-Presbyterian and UnitedHealthcare announced yet another temporary extension of their in-network arrangement today, August 25, 2026, this time running only through August 31. The two parties have now pushed back their contract deadline repeatedly since the beginning of 2026 without reaching a permanent agreement.
If the two sides do not sign a contract by the close of August 31, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members will no longer have in-network access to NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals and the affiliated NYP Medical Group practices beginning September 1, 2026.
NYP and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage extended their deal through August 31 only. Here is what patients need to know before September 1.
There are limited continuity protections for patients currently receiving care. Patients who are in an active course of treatment at NYP before September 1 may continue to receive in-network coverage for scheduled appointments, ongoing treatments, and post-operative care through November 29, 2026. Starting November 30, subsequent non-emergency visits to NYP providers would be considered out-of-network unless UnitedHealthcare specifically approves continued in-network status.
The dispute reflects broader friction between Medicare Advantage insurers and hospital systems over payment rates. UnitedHealthcare has significantly contracted its Medicare Advantage footprint in 2026 as it works to improve margins after years of elevated medical costs, and network disputes with large hospital systems have become a recurring feature of the market this enrollment cycle.
NewYork-Presbyterian includes multiple major hospitals affiliated with Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine and is among the largest academic medical systems in the United States.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members who receive care at any NYP facility should call their plan or check the NYP and UnitedHealthcare websites for the most current guidance on their coverage.
In plain words
A big New York City hospital system and a major Medicare insurance company still do not have a long-term contract. They have extended their temporary agreement many times since the start of 2026. The latest extension, announced today, runs only until August 31.
If there is still no deal after August 31, patients with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage who go to NewYork-Presbyterian will likely pay higher out-of-network costs starting September 1.
There is some protection if you are already being treated at NYP. If your treatment started before September 1, you may be able to stay in-network at NYP through November 29. After that, more visits to NYP would cost more unless your plan approves continued coverage.
If you have UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and get care at NYP, contact your insurer now to understand what will happen to your coverage.
Understand the basics first
Source: NewYork-Presbyterian
Read at the source →