What Lee Health patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance need to do before Jan. 1

Thousands of Southwest Florida patients insured through UnitedHealthcare must make several important decisions before Lee Health's contracts with the insurer end at the start of 2027. According to Lee Health, its hospitals and physicians will remain in-network for affected UnitedHealthcare employer-based, individual and Medicare Advantage plans through Dec. 31, 2026. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, those plans will become out-of-network for Lee Health providers. Here are the key steps patients should consider before the change takes effect. Keep appointments scheduled this year Lee Health says patients should continue scheduling and receiving care through the end of 2026. Appointments, tests and procedures scheduled on or before Dec. 31 will continue to be covered as in-network for affected plans. Patients with appointments scheduled in 2027 are encouraged not to cancel them before learning about their options. Those who want to see whether an earlier appointment is available can call Lee Health at 239-481-4111. Ask about Continuity of Care Some patients, including those receiving ongoing treatment, may qualify to continue seeing Lee Health providers at in-network rates for a limited time through UnitedHealthcare's Continuity of Care process or as otherwise required by law. Lee Health recommends patients contact UnitedHealthcare using the number on the back of their insurance card as soon as possible to ask whether they qualify and how to apply. Review your insurance benefits Patients whose plans include out-of-network benefits may still be able to receive care at Lee Health after Jan. 1, although they could face higher out-of-pocket costs or other coverage limitations. Lee Health advises members to contact UnitedHealthcare to understand how the network change could affect their individual coverage. Know your options during enrollment Patients covered through Medicare Advantage can review other Medicare coverage options during Medicare Open Enrollment. Those with employer-sponsored insurance should contact their human resources or benefits department to discuss available plan choices if UnitedHealthcare is their only option. Emergency care will still be available Lee Health emphasized that patients experiencing a medical emergency should go to the nearest emergency department. Federal law requires emergency care regardless of whether a hospital is in a patient's insurance network. Patients with questions about Lee Health's participating insurance plans can visit the health system's insurance coverage page or call its community information line at (239)320-1234. Questions about specific UnitedHealthcare benefits should be directed to the member services number on the back of the patient's insurance card. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV