Carriers & the market
UnitedHealthcare and NewYork-Presbyterian Reach a Fourth Extension, Keeping Medicare Advantage Members in Network Through September 30
After a summer of escalating deadlines, the two parties agreed to yet another short-term truce. If no permanent contract is signed by September 30, NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals and practices will go out of network for most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members on October 1.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamSeptember 1, 2026
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and UnitedHealthcare have extended their contract for the fourth time, keeping most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members in network through September 30, 2026, according to the hospital's status page. The two sides have not reached a permanent agreement, and if talks remain unresolved by month's end, NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals and NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group practices will become out-of-network providers for most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members starting October 1.
The dispute has stretched across most of 2026, with each deadline passing without a resolution and giving way to a new short-term extension. The most recent extension follows a prior deadline of August 31.
UHC and NYP reach extension number four. Medicare Advantage members stay in-network through September 30, with October 1 as the next hard deadline.
For members currently in active treatment, a continuity-of-care provision covers scheduled appointments and post-operative care as in-network through December 29, 2026. After that date, visits would be considered out of network unless UnitedHealthcare approves otherwise. Pregnant members are protected through delivery and related postpartum care, regardless of when the contract dispute resolves.
Several categories of UnitedHealthcare members are not affected by the contract dispute. Members with AARP Medigap supplemental policies and Group Retiree PPO Plans retain their protections under separate coverage rules.
Medicare Advantage members who want to review alternative plan options can visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Most plan switches are unavailable until the Annual Enrollment Period opens October 15.
In plain words
UnitedHealthcare and a major New York City hospital group could not reach a final deal, so they agreed to another short-term extension. Medicare Advantage members can still use those hospitals through September 30. If there is no deal by October 1, those hospitals go out of network.
People already in active treatment before October 1 have extra protection. Their care would still be covered as in-network through December 29. Pregnant patients are protected through their pregnancy and delivery.
Some members are not affected at all. Those with AARP Medigap plans or group retiree PPO plans have separate rules that are not tied to this contract dispute.
If you want to look at other plan options, you can go to medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Most switches are only possible after October 15, when open enrollment starts.
Understand the basics first
Source: NewYork-Presbyterian
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