UHealth and Preferred Care Network: Deal Reached, Access Extended to Dec. 31, 2026

Originally published July 13, 2026; updated August 4, 2026 to reflect the resolved agreement.

UHealth (University of Miami Health System) and UnitedHealthcare have reached an agreement covering commercial, Individual Family Plan (IFP), and Medicaid coverage. For UnitedHealthcare's Preferred Care Network Medicare Advantage plan specifically, UnitedHealthcare has extended in-network access to UHealth through December 31, 2026 — five months later than the September 1 date originally announced. UHealth will still go out of network for Preferred Care Network starting January 1, 2027, but that date now lines up with the start of new 2027 Medicare plans chosen during the Annual Enrollment Period, so there's no coverage gap to worry about.

We're keeping this original article live as a record of how this situation unfolded, with the facts corrected throughout. For the fullest, most current picture, read our dedicated update on the resolution.

Who Is UHealth, and Why Does This Matter in South Florida?

UHealth is the University of Miami Health System. According to UHealth, it is South Florida's only academic health system — its doctors treat patients, teach future physicians, and lead research.

UHealth's statement highlights several programs patients rely on:

• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which UHealth notes is ranked #1 in the nation for eye care
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, South Florida's only NCI-designated cancer center
• Desai Sethi Urology Institute
• Nationally ranked neurology and neurosurgery programs

For many Medicare Advantage members in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, these aren't just names — they're where your specialists are. That's why this network question matters, even with the timeline now extended.

The Timeline: What Was Announced, and What It Became

This story moved through several stages. Here's the full picture:

What "Out of Network" Will Mean, Starting January 1, 2027

"In network" means a hospital or doctor has a contract with your plan, so you pay the plan's normal copays. "Out of network" means that contract has ended. In a Medicare Advantage plan, out-of-network care usually costs more — and depending on your plan's rules, some non-emergency services may not be covered at all.

Beginning January 1, 2027, UHealth hospitals, facilities, and physicians are expected to be out of network for Preferred Care Network members. Until then, everything remains in network as usual.

Two reassurances that remain true regardless of the date:

• Emergency care is not affected. You will always have access to emergency care at UHealth, regardless of network status. In a true emergency, go to the nearest ER.
• Nothing changes today. Your coverage continues uninterrupted through Dec. 31, 2026.

Not sure whether your plan is a Preferred Care Network plan, or whether your doctors are part of UHealth? That's exactly the kind of question we answer every day — contact A&E Insurance Agency or call (954) 281-5622 for a free, no-obligation review.

Continuity of Care: Who May Keep Their UHealth Doctors Longer

Continuity of care is a protection that lets certain patients keep seeing a doctor at in-network rates for a limited period after that doctor leaves the network — so treatment isn't interrupted at a critical moment.

Per UnitedHealthcare, Preferred Care Network members in active treatment for a serious or complex condition with a UHealth provider at the time UHealth leaves the network may be eligible. You can apply any time from now through 30 days after January 1, 2027 — a wide window, though applying earlier gives you more certainty.

How to start: call the customer service number on your health plan ID card (your UnitedHealthcare UCard) and ask about continuity of care for your UHealth providers.

What Each Side Said

During the negotiation, UHealth said the cost of delivering care had risen faster than UnitedHealthcare's reimbursement, and that it was asking for rates consistent with what other South Florida health systems are already paid. UnitedHealthcare said its priority was continued access to care for members, whether through a new agreement or a smooth transition to other providers.

Both organizations have now confirmed the outcome: a new multi-year agreement for commercial/Medicaid/IFP coverage, and an extension — not a renewal — for Preferred Care Network Medicare Advantage.

What Preferred Care Network Members Should Do

1. Nothing urgent right now. Your coverage continues through Dec. 31, 2026.
2. If you're in active treatment, consider continuity of care. You have until 30 days after Jan. 1, 2027 to apply.
3. Mark your calendar for AEP: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026. That's when you'll choose 2027 coverage.
4. Talk to a licensed, independent agent before AEP gets busy — there's no reason to rush, but no reason to wait until December either.

Which Medicare Advantage Plans Include UHealth?

Preferred Care Network remains the only UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan that includes UHealth in its network. Per UHealth's published accepted-plans list, several other carriers' Medicare Advantage plans in South Florida also include UHealth, with differences in whether University of Miami primary care doctors are included:

Source: UHealth's published list of accepted Medicare Advantage plans. Network participation can change at any time — always confirm directly with the plan.

How a Local Independent Medicare Agent Can Help

As an independent agency, A&E Insurance Agency represents plans from 25+ carriers — we don't work for any single insurance company, and we are not affiliated with UHealth or UnitedHealthcare. What we can do for you, at no cost:

• Confirm whether your specific plan and doctors are affected
• Help you plan ahead for AEP instead of rushing in December
• Review which Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement options in your county include your preferred doctors and hospitals (here's how Advantage and Supplement plans compare in Florida)

Steve Germain has helped South Florida families navigate Medicare decisions since 2013 — including network changes like this one. Our guidance costs you nothing, and the price of any plan is the same with or without an agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UHealth out of network for Preferred Care Network right now?

No. Preferred Care Network members have in-network access to UHealth through December 31, 2026. UHealth will go out of network starting January 1, 2027.

Wait — didn't this happen on September 1, 2026?

No, and that was never confirmed to happen — that was the originally announced date. UnitedHealthcare has since extended access through Dec. 31, 2026 and set a new out-of-network date of Jan. 1, 2027.

Should I cancel or reschedule my UHealth appointments?

No. Continue scheduling appointments as usual. Coverage continues uninterrupted through Dec. 31, 2026.

I'm in the middle of treatment at UHealth. Can I keep my doctors?

Possibly, beyond Jan. 1, 2027. Continuity of care may let members in active treatment for a serious or complex condition continue at in-network rates for a limited period. You can apply any time through 30 days after Jan. 1, 2027 — call the number on your UnitedHealthcare UCard.

Are there other Medicare Advantage plans that include UHealth?

Yes. Per UHealth's published accepted-plans list, Medicare Advantage plans from Aetna, Humana, Solis Health Plans, Optimum HealthCare, Freedom Health, and Prominence Health currently include UHealth, with differences in county availability and UM primary care access. Network participation can change, so always confirm with the plan.

Can I switch my Medicare plan to keep UHealth in network?

Yes — during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Because this lines up with UHealth's new out-of-network date, members who choose a 2027 plan that includes UHealth will have no coverage gap.

What if I have a medical emergency?

Emergency care is always available at UHealth regardless of network status. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.

Talk to a Local Medicare Expert — Free

If you're a Preferred Care Network member in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County and want help planning ahead of AEP, call A&E Insurance Agency at (954) 281-5622 or schedule your free consultation. We'll review your plan, your doctors, and your options — in plain English, with no pressure and no cost.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 16 organizations which offer 73 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

A&E Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of UHealth, the University of Miami, or UnitedHealthcare. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, networks, and provider participation can change at any time; confirm details directly with your health plan and your providers. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a licensed insurance professional, healthcare provider, or attorney.