WINK Digital Team
•8/27/2026
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Healthcare change could be coming for thousands of United Healthcare patients in Southwest Florida.
Lee Health says it will no longer accept United as an in-network insurer starting Jan. 1 after years of disputes over claims, denials and access to care.
Lee Health told WINK that United Healthcare has created a financial backlog with more than $100 million in disputed claims. They say about a third of all the denials they receive come from United, and many are later overturned.
"I've seen these other situations out there where they say, 'Look, it's a negotiating tactic, or hey, this is posturing.' This isn't. That's not how we function. That's not what we're looking for here," said Dr. Nari Heshmati of Lee Health. "This really is years of trying in good faith to be able to take care of this community and our patients and finding barriers to that."
Lee Health says the disputes with United delay treatments, imaging and other care, leaving patients worried about their health and their out-of-pocket costs. Right now, they say United patients can continue getting in-network care through Dec. 31.
Uncertainty for the new year is already hitting home for one local patient. Connie Carrico depends on weekly plasma infusions to help fight infection. United has covered each $20,000 infusion for 10 years.
"There are so many older people out there that need help that don't get it, and that's my big concern with what's going on right now," Carrico said. "I've never missed a dose. I'm afraid to."
Carrico expressed concern about her future treatment options.
"If I can't get my plasma through whatever insurance we have, I can't have it," Carrico said.
Lee Health told WINK that if you are a patient with scheduled care after Jan. 1, talk with your doctor and United Healthcare about your options.
