News Summary
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced a two-month special election period for Medicare Advantage subscribers in Rhode Island, following the termination of Brown University Health’s contract with UnitedHealthcare. This change impacts 20,000 residents who lost coverage effective July 1. Governor Daniel J. McKee emphasizes the significance of this period to assist seniors in transitioning to new plans and maintaining access to healthcare services amidst the disruption.
Rhode Island – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced a two-month special election period for Medicare Advantage subscribers following the termination of Brown University Health’s contract with UnitedHealthcare (UHC). This change will affect approximately 20,000 Rhode Islanders who lost their coverage at Brown Health hospitals effective July 1.
As a result of the contract termination, most of Brown Health’s facilities are now considered out of network for members of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans. This significant shift in coverage has prompted Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee to highlight the vital need for this designated election period, which is intended to alleviate some of the disruptions faced by seniors in the state.
Prior to the announcement of the special election period, affected individuals were required to submit individual waiver requests if they wished to switch carriers, a process that did not guarantee a favorable or timely outcome. The newly approved election period enables impacted subscribers to easily transition into another Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap plan, or to switch to traditional Medicare.
During this designated timeframe, eligible members can select plans that still include coverage at Brown Health hospitals as in-network. Furthermore, this allowance is especially crucial for those who are currently receiving care from, or who have received care within the last three months from healthcare providers or facilities that have now been removed from network status.
Despite the transition in coverage, it is important to note that Brown Health is still a participant in traditional Medicare plans, as well as several other Medicare Advantage plans, including those offered under Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Aetna Inc. Additionally, Medicare Advantage members from UnitedHealthcare can still access in-network care from Brown Health physicians through June 2026 in any Brown Health emergency rooms.
UnitedHealthcare members will receive mailed notifications regarding the special election period, which will commence in the month those subscribers obtain their letters. This period will last for 60 days, providing ample time for affected individuals to consider their options.
The Rhode Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) hotline is accessible for guidance throughout this special election period. Subscribers can reach out at 1-888-884-8721 for assistance, where trained SHIP counselors are prepared to help beneficiaries navigate their plan options based on personal medical needs and financial situations.
It should also be noted that any Medicare beneficiary not included in this special election opportunity will retain the ability to enroll during the regular open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 of this year, with coverage set to begin on January 1, 2026.
This special election period represents a critical opportunity for Rhode Islanders previously aligned with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans to secure appropriate healthcare coverage. As many individuals face uncertainty about their healthcare options following the disruption of their existing plans, this new period serves as a significant relief for those requiring continued access to necessary medical services.
In light of these changes, affected patients are strongly encouraged to explore their options promptly and seek the necessary guidance to ensure they can maintain access to healthcare services without significant interruptions.
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