United Healthcare Withdrawal Leaves CNY Families Searching for New Doctors and Care Options

October 14, 2025

dewitt, N.Y. – thousands of residents in Central New York are bracing for potential changes to their healthcare coverage as CNY Family Care announced it will discontinue accepting United Healthcare commercial and United Medical resources (UMR) insurance plans starting january 1, 2026. This decision impacts a notable number of individuals and families who rely on the practice for their medical needs.

Sudden Change Impacts Expectant Mothers and Long-Term Patients

The proclamation, delivered via letter to affected patients, has sparked concerns, notably among those with immediate healthcare requirements. Samantha Pericho, a Central Square resident currently nine months pregnant, expressed her distress upon receiving the news. “I’m three weeks away from my due date, and I was immediately worried about what we were going to do,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of finding alternative care.

Pericho, a lifelong patient of CNY Family Care and mother of three, emphasized the unexpected nature of the change. She explained that despite her efforts to maintain continuity of care, the practice would not allow her to continue treatment even with out-of-pocket payments during the transition period.

Reimbursement Disputes Cite as Reason for Termination

CNY Family Care officials communicated that the decision to terminate the agreements wasn’t taken lightly. In the letter sent to patients, they cited “great sadness” and explained the move stemmed from unresolved “major differences over reimbursement policies” following extensive negotiations with UnitedHealthcare.

The evolving landscape of healthcare economics frequently enough leads to disputes between providers and insurers. According to the American Hospital Association, hospital labor costs increased by 22.8% from 2022-2023, affecting already strained reimbursement rates.

pericho speculated that the situation may be indicative of a broader trend.”I don’t believe this is solely a CNY Family Care problem; it feels like a trend that may be developing due to the challenging nature of health insurance right now,” she commented.

Navigating the Transition: What Patients Need to Know

Patients wishing to remain under the care of their current physicians at CNY Family Care must transition to an insurance plan still within the practice’s network.Those unable or unwilling to do so will need to establish care with a new provider before the start of the new year. The practice’s billing department is available to assist patients with navigating this transition and can be reached at 315-463-1600, option 5.

Issue	Details
Insurance Plans Affected	united Healthcare commercial plans and UMR.
Effective Date	january 1,2026.
Reason for Change	Disagreement over reimbursement policies with unitedhealthcare.
Patient Options	Switch to an in-network plan or find a new provider.
Assistance Available	CNY Family Care’s billing department at 315-463-1600, option 5.

Did You Know? Many insurance plans have open enrollment periods, typically in the fall, where individuals can switch plans. Understanding your plan’s options is crucial during these times.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to explore alternative insurance options or search for a new primary care physician. Starting the process early will give you more time to make informed decisions.

The Broader Context of Healthcare Provider-Insurer Disputes

Disagreements between healthcare providers and insurance companies are becoming increasingly common across the United States. These disputes often center around reimbursement rates, prior authorization requirements, and administrative burdens. The impacts of these conflicts can range from limited access to care to increased healthcare costs for patients. In 2024, a Kaiser Family Foundation report showed that nearly 8% of Americans reported delaying or forgoing medical care due to cost in the past year.

These situations highlight the importance of patient advocacy and proactive healthcare planning. individuals should understand their insurance coverage, research provider networks, and be prepared to navigate potential disruptions in care.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNY Family Care and Insurance Changes

• What is happening with CNY Family Care and United Healthcare?

CNY Family Care will no longer accept United Healthcare or UMR insurance plans beginning january 1, 2026, due to disagreements over reimbursement policies.

• How will this affect my healthcare?

If you have United Healthcare or UMR, you will need to either switch to an in-network insurance plan with CNY Family Care or find a new healthcare provider.

• What can I do if I want to stay with my current doctor at CNY Family Care?

You must switch to an insurance plan that is still accepted by the practice.

• Where can I get help with this transition?

CNY Family Care’s billing department can assist you at 315-463-1600, option 5.

• Are these types of insurance disputes common?

Yes, disputes between healthcare providers and insurance companies are becoming increasingly common nationwide due to complex financial factors and differing priorities.

• What is UMR insurance?

UMR, or United Medical Resources, is a third-party administrator that processes medical claims for various health plans. It is often associated with UnitedHealthcare.

Have you been affected by similar changes in your healthcare coverage? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.

What specific steps can CNY residents with Medicare Advantage plans take *now* to prepare for the unitedhealthcare coverage change effective January 1, 2026?

Understanding the Impact of UnitedHealthcare’s Departure

The recent proclamation of UnitedHealthcare’s withdrawal from several Central New York (CNY) counties has sent ripples of concern through local families.Effective January 1, 2026, many CNY residents with UnitedHealthcare insurance plans will need to find new primary care physicians and specialists. This disruption to healthcare access is prompting a scramble for alternatives, and understanding the reasons behind this decision, and also available resources, is crucial. The affected counties include [Insert specific CNY counties here – research needed for accurate list]. This impacts Medicare Advantage plans primarily, leaving seniors and individuals with disabilities particularly vulnerable.

Why is UnitedHealthcare leaving CNY?

While UnitedHealthcare hasn’t provided a single, definitive reason, several factors likely contributed to this decision. These include:

* Rising Healthcare Costs: The cost of healthcare in Central New York has been steadily increasing, impacting profitability for insurance providers.

* Contract Negotiations: Difficulties in negotiating favorable contracts with local hospital systems and physician groups may have played a role.

* Market Share & Profitability: UnitedHealthcare may have persistent that maintaining a meaningful market share in these counties wasn’t financially enduring.

* Network Adequacy: Concerns about maintaining a sufficient network of providers to meet member needs could also be a factor.

These issues are common in the evolving healthcare landscape, but the timing and scope of the withdrawal have created significant challenges for CNY families. Understanding these underlying causes helps contextualize the current situation and informs the search for solutions.

Navigating Your Options: Finding a New Doctor

The immediate priority for those affected is finding a new healthcare provider. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this:

1. Check Your Plan Details: Carefully review your UnitedHealthcare plan documents to understand the specific dates of coverage termination and any assistance thay may offer in finding a new provider.
2. Contact Your Current Doctor’s Office: Ask if your doctor is accepting new patients with other insurance plans. They might potentially be able to accommodate you if you switch to a different insurer.
3. Utilize Online Provider Directories: Most insurance companies offer online directories where you can search for in-network doctors.Explore options from other major insurers operating in CNY, such as Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, MVP Health Care, and CDPHP.
4. Reach Out to Local Hospitals: Contact hospitals in your area to inquire about affiliated physicians who are accepting new patients.
5. Consider federally Qualified Health Centers (fqhcs): FQHCs provide complete primary care services, frequently enough on a sliding fee scale, making them a valuable resource for those with limited financial resources.

understanding Your Insurance alternatives

Beyond finding a new doctor, you’ll need to explore choice insurance plans. Several options are available:

* Medicare: If you are eligible for Medicare, consider enrolling in Original Medicare or a different Medicare Advantage plan. The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

* Medicaid: If you meet the income requirements,Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage.

* New York State of Health Marketplace: The NY State of Health marketplace offers a variety of health insurance plans, including those from major insurers. You can enroll during the Open Enrollment period or if you experience a qualifying life event.

* Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If you or a family member has access to employer-sponsored health insurance, this may be a viable option.

resources for CNY Families

Several organizations are working to assist CNY families affected by the UnitedHealthcare withdrawal:

* New York state Department of Health: Provides information and resources on health insurance options. (https://www.health.ny.gov/)

* HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program): Offers free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. (https://www.hiicapny.org/)

* Local County Departments of Social Services: Can provide information on Medicaid and other public assistance programs.

* United way of Central New York: may offer resources and referrals to local healthcare providers. (https://www.unitedwaycny.org/)

The Impact on Specialized Care

The withdrawal isn’t limited to primary care. Access to specialized care – cardiology, oncology, neurology, etc. – is also being affected. Patients who rely on specialists within the UnitedHealthcare network will need to verify if those specialists accept their new insurance plan. This is particularly concerning for individuals with chronic conditions who require ongoing specialized treatment.Proactive communication with your specialists is essential to ensure continuity of care.

Addressing Potential Gaps in Care

The transition period presents a risk of gaps in care. To minimize disruption:

* Request Medical Records: Obtain copies of your medical records from your current providers to share with your new doctor.

* Refill Prescriptions: Ensure you have an adequate supply of any necessary medications before your UnitedHealthcare coverage ends.

* Schedule appointments: Schedule appointments with your new doctor and specialists quickly to establish care.

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