Despite ongoing negotiations, the health insurance contracts between UnitedHealthcare and UAB Health System entities will expire on July 31, 2025. If an agreement cannot be reached, services for United members would be considered out-of-network at the following facilities:
UAB Hospital
The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
All UAB Medicine primary, specialty, and urgent care clinics
UA Health Services Foundation
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
UAB Medical West
All UAB St. Vincent’s facilities (Birmingham, East, Blount, Chilton, and St. Clair, clinics, etc.)
Baptist Health (Montgomery)
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
All services provided by UAB doctors and UAB St. Vincent’s employed doctors, regardless of where service is provided. (This does not include UAB St. Vincent’s or UAB Medical West private practice physicians. Please check with your physician’s office or their website if you have any concerns.)
There are a few exceptions, which are listed in the Frequently Asked Questions below.
As a leader in patient care, academic medicine, and medical research, UAB Health System benefits patients with leading medical minds and lifesaving innovations and breakthroughs.
Level I Trauma center in Alabama
UAB Hospital is the only Level I Trauma center in Alabama recognized by the American College of Surgeons, and cares for the most sick and critical patients in the state and beyond. Level One Trauma centers require significant and costly standby resources to operate.
$102 million a year in charity care
UAB Hospital is a public safety net hospital that cares for any patient who needs our services, including those most in need. Our charity care costs us more than $102 million a year.
We treat some of the sickest patients
UAB Hospital has one of the highest acuity ratings in the nation, meaning we treat some of the sickest patients on average even when compared to other large teaching hospitals in major metropolitan areas.
Over 11% of our patients are transferred
More than 11% of our patients are transferred from other Alabama hospitals.
Offers services no one else in Alabama provides
UAB Medicine provides care to the sickest patients in the state and offers many services not available at other medical centers in the region, including research trials for promising new treatments.
Magnet Hospital designation for excellence in nursing
UAB Hospital is the only hospital in Alabama with the prestigious Magnet Hospital designation for excellence in nursing.
Educating the next generation
UAB Hospital educates the next generation of physicians, which requires significant operating cost from the UAB Health System. We educate more than 900 medical residents to ensure there are enough physicians in Alabama for future generations. Of those residents, more than 150 are not reimbursed by anyone, costing us over $65 million a year.
For Patients
If you have concerns, find answers to frequently asked questions by clicking HERE.
Patients with specific questions about their coverage should call the number on the back of their insurance card for details.
Click HERE for a full list of the locations that will no longer be in-network beginning August 1.
Plans accepted
For those interested in transitioning to another health plan that allows in-network coverage, plans accepted by UAB Health System entities, its affiliated hospitals, and physician groups include should you decide to change insurance providers:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Blue Advantage
Cigna Healthcare – Commercial plans
Health Care Service Corporation (Formerly Cigna HealthSpring) Medicare Advantage Plans (excludes Baptist Health which is not participating)
Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
Viva Health Commercial and Medicare Advantage plans
Aetna – Commercial Plans
Aetna – Medicare Advantage Plans (Callahan Eye Hospital, UAB Medical West, UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, UAB St. Vincents East, UAB St. Vincent’s Blount, UAB St. Vincent’s Chilton, and UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair only)
Ambetter – Individual and Family Plans
To be sure, please contact your healthcare provider or entity to confirm they accept your specific plan.
UAB Medicine is dedicated to our mission of improving the health and lives of all those we serve by providing world-class health care services of exceptional value that are patient- and family-centered, a superior environment for the education of health professionals, and support for research that advances discovery and medical science. You are important to us, and we want to continue to be the health care provider you depend on when you and your family are in need.
FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions you may have in the case UAB Health System contracts with UnitedHealthcare expire on July 31, 2025.
We may not have an answer to your specific question, as each person’s insurance plan differs. For specific coverage information, you should reach out to UnitedHealthcare. Their phone number should be on the back of your insurance card. In addition, your employer’s Human Resources/Benefits personnel may be able to provide some clarification. We’ve also included UAB Medicine customer service numbers at the end of this document.
Will United insurance no longer be accepted?
We’ve worked for months to find a way to keep our United contract and patients, but so far, unfortunately, we have been unable to come to a reasonable agreement with United. We urge you to call United using the number on the back of your card and express your opinion on your ability to go to UAB.
I have another appointment scheduled for __________. Should I still go?
Appointments before August 1st will still be covered as they always have been. Starting July 31st, you will likely be charged on an out-of-network basis, which may mean you have to pay additional out of pocket costs for your care. Each person’s plan is different though. You may want to call United to find out for sure. The number should be on the back of your insurance card.
I have PEEHIP. Does this apply to me?
If you have United PEEHIP, as far as receiving care here or what you will be charged, you may see a very small difference in cost, but will still be covered. Please contact United to understand any changes that may impact you.
Can I continue my care at UAB Medicine even though I won’t be covered on an in-network basis?
Yes, you can continue your care here. We do value you as a patient and want you to continue to come here. However, be aware that your insurance will no longer pay the same amount on your behalf moving forward. And, you will be personally responsible for payment of those charges, which could be a lot of out-of-pocket money. We don’t want you to receive your bill and be surprised by the amount you owe. You may want to call the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm how much United will pay.
Are there any doctors at UAB that I can make an appointment with who will accept United?
Unfortunately, no. All UAB and UAB St. Vincent’s physicians will no longer be a part of the in-network benefit for United health insurance, regardless of where your appointment is. (This does not include UAB St. Vincent’s and UAB Medicine West private practice physicians.)
I’m on the transplant list. What if an organ becomes available?
United won’t, by default, pay for a transplant or related expenses. However, we suggest you speak with your transplant coordinator/team/doctor because they are often successful in finding a way for those services to be covered by working with insurance companies.
What if I have to go to the emergency room?
We accept all patients in need of emergency care, regardless of insurance coverage.
Are other UAB locations still covered as usual?
UAB Medicine facilities are all in the same situation, and will no longer going to be covered on an in-network basis. A full list of affected locations is available at uabmedicine.org/united.
I was referred to UAB by my physician because UAB is the only place that offers care for my condition or provides a specific treatment. What should I do?
If you care is provided prior to August 1st, your services will be charged at the usual, in-network rate. Afterwards, you can continue to come to UAB Medicine but will be charged at the out-of-network rate, which could be significantly more out of pocket expense for you. However, in some cases where UAB is the only place to get this specific care, we have been successful in working with insurance companies to get an exception so your services would be covered. However, there is no guarantee United will approve special coverage. We recommend that you call United to get more details, ask questions, and share your concerns about being able to continue receiving services at UAB.
What should I do now?
You have a few options. (PEEHIP patients: see the question about your coverage on Page 1.)
Continue with your current UnitedHealthcare plan and change doctors (you can use the directory on the United Healthcare website or call the number on your card)
Continue with your current UnitedHealthcare plan and pay the out-of-network costs
Transition to a different health insurance company that provides the coverage for your current UAB doctors and health care providers. (A list of these health plans is included at the end of this information,)
Can I continue with my current doctor?
You can continue with your current UAB physician but they will no longer be covered and you will be charged out-of-network cost. If you need to change doctors, you can use the directory on the United website or call the number on your card to find a doctor that is covered by United. Your Human Resources/Benefits department may also be able to help direct you to additional resources.
How do I find another doctor?
If you’d like to find an in-network doctor, you can use the directory on the UnitedHealthcare website or call the number on the back of your card.
Can I still use the patient portal?
Yes, your patient portal account will remain active. Your historical health and clinical information will remain available – visit summaries, lab results, messaging, prescription history, etc.
I was just admitted to the hospital. Will my coverage change if I am still here on August 1st?
If you are currently under inpatient care, your services will be covered on an in-network basis for 30 days or until you are discharged, whichever comes first.
I am supposed to deliver my baby around the end of July/beginning of August. What should I do?
It depends on risk-level and trimester as of July 31st. (See the exceptions list at the end of this information.)
I just started my long-term rehab. How long can I continue my care?
It depends on whether or not it is inpatient or outpatient long-tern rehab. Inpatient will be covered for 30 days on an in-network basis. Outpatient will no longer be covered in-network starting August 1st.
I am pregnant and my OB is at UAB. Do I need to find a different OB somewhere else in the middle of my pregnancy?
It depends on risk-level and trimester as of July 31st. (See the exceptions list at the end of this information.)
I’m in the middle of chemotherapy. Do I have to go somewhere else?
Chemotherapy and other non-surgical cancer treatments will continue to be covered in-network until your current chemotherapy cycle ends or 30 days, whichever comes first. After the current treatment cycle is complete, these services will no longer be covered in-network. We urge you to call United using the number on the back of your card and express your opinion on your ability to go to UAB.
What about my infusion therapy?
It depends on the condition being treated. For cancer, chemotherapy will continue to be covered in-network until their current cycle ends or 30 days, whichever comes first. Non-cancer therapies will be considered out-of-network after July 31st.
Financial Questions
How much more is “out-of-network” compared to “in-network”?
It depends on your specific plan. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm exactly what the difference will be.
How will my outstanding claims or bills be handled?
Charges for services provided prior to August 1st will remain the same.
If I have an appointment on July 31st, will I be billed as in-network or out-of-network?
Appointments/visits prior to August 1st will be covered on an in-network basis.
If I haven’t paid my bill for services when I was covered, will what I owe change after July 31st?
Charges for services provided prior to August 1st will remain the same.
What if I continue to go to UAB for my care?
We do value you as a patient and want you to continue to come to UAB for your health care. However, be aware that your insurance will no longer pay the same amount on your behalf moving forward. And, you will be personally responsible for payment of those charges, which could be a lot of out-of-pocket money. We don’t want you to receive your bill and be surprised by the amount you owe. You may want to call the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm how much you would have to pay.
Exceptions
If you are receiving any of the Covered Services listed below, as of July 30, United will continue to render those Covered Services at in-network cost after July 30, for the length of time indicated below:
Covered Services
Continuing Coverage
Inpatient Covered Services
30 days or until discharge, whichever comes first
Pregnancy, Third Trimester- Low Risk
Through postpartum follow up visit
Pregnancy, First, Second or Third Trimester – Moderate Risk and High Risk
Through postpartum follow up visit
Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment
30 days or a complete cycle of radiation or chemotherapy, whichever is greater
End Stage Kidney Disease and Dialysis
30 days
Symptomatic AIDS undergoing active treatment
30 days
Circumstances where Payer is required by applicable law to provide transition coverage of services rendered by Facility after Facility leaves the provider network accessed by Payer.
