As of January 26, 2026, there has been a significant change in the provider network relationship between UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). If you are enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan and receive care through LVHN doctors or hospitals, this change may affect your coverage and costs — and there is a limited window during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) to review your plan if needed.
Below we break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what you can do about it.
Important Medicare update for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members regarding LVHN network changes effective January 26, 2026.
What Happened? The Network Change Explained
LVHN and UnitedHealthcare were unable to reach terms on a renewed provider agreement for Medicare Advantage plans. As a result, most LVHN hospitals, facilities, and physicians are now out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members, effective January 26, 2026.
This means that if your Medicare Advantage plan is with UnitedHealthcare and you receive care at LVHN doctors, specialists, or hospitals, those services may now be considered out of network, which can affect:
- How much you pay for care
- Whether your care is covered as in-network
- Your access to the providers you already see
Both LVHN and UnitedHealthcare have published information confirming this change — albeit at different times and with different emphasis. Our goal here is to clearly summarize what it means for people who rely on these plans for everyday health care.
UnitedHealthcare and Lehigh Valley Health Network have each shared different perspectives on contract pricing and negotiations. Regardless of those differences, the outcome for Medicare Advantage members is the same: network access has changed.
How This Affects UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Members
Here’s what you should know:
Emergency Care Is Still Covered
No matter your network status, emergency room visits at the nearest hospital remain covered at the in-network level under Medicare Advantage.
Continuity of Care May Be Available
If you are in the middle of treatment for a serious or complex condition (for example, active cancer treatment), you may be eligible for Continuity of Care. This can allow you to continue seeing your LVHN provider under in-network benefits for a limited time — but you must apply and be approved for it.
A Small Number of LVHN Locations May Not Be Impacted
Some LVHN facilities were already out of network, and a limited number may follow different timing. For the majority of Medicare Advantage patients with UnitedHealthcare plans, January 26, 2026 is the key effective date.
Medicare Supplement Plans Are Not Affected
If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, this network change does not apply — you can continue to use LVHN providers.
UnitedHealthcare Still Has a Broad Network
UnitedHealthcare continues to have a broad provider network in eastern Pennsylvania and has recently reached a multi-year agreement with St. Luke’s University Health Network, meaning St. Luke’s providers remain in network for UHC Medicare Advantage members.
Why This Matters Right Now: Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
The good news for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members is that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is currently open through March 31, 2026. During this period, you can review and change your Medicare Advantage plan if your current coverage no longer fits your medical care needs — especially if you rely on LVHN providers.
This isn’t about switching to the “best plan” — it’s about making sure your coverage still matches where you actually receive care.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before your next provider appointment, consider:
- Do I regularly see doctors or specialists within the LVHN system?
- Am I currently scheduled for care at an LVHN hospital or facility?
- Is my current Medicare Advantage plan still giving me access to my preferred network?
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s worth getting your coverage reviewed sooner rather than later.
How We Can Help — No Pressure, Just Clarity
At Lehigh Partners, we help Medicare beneficiaries understand how plan changes may affect their care and costs — and we can help you determine whether a plan change makes sense for your situation.
📅 Schedule a review call:
👉 https://calendly.com/dscallion-ds/60min?month=2026-01
📩 Send us your info / request a review:
👉 https://lehighpartners.net/medicare-form
There is no obligation; this is about helping you make informed choices before March 31, 2026.
Summary: What You Should Do Next
- Check if you receive care with LVHN doctors or hospitals
- Review your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan benefits
- Contact us if you want help comparing options
- Decide before March 31 during the Open Enrollment Period
This network change affects real care decisions — it’s not just paperwork. If you’re unsure how it impacts you, the right next step is to ask a trusted advisor.
You may have another opportunity to review or change your Medicare coverage after March 31 if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Common situations that may trigger an SEP include:
• A permanent move outside your plan’s service area
• Your Medicare Advantage plan leaving the market or terminating coverage
• Losing other creditable health coverage
• Gaining eligibility for Medicaid, Extra Help, or a Special Needs Plan (SNP)
• Changes related to employer or retiree coverage
• Certain exceptional circumstances reviewed on a case-by-case basis
SEPs are not guaranteed and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Documentation may be required, and timing matters.
Faq
If you have an AARP Medicare Advantage plan and receive care through LVHN providers, those services may now be considered out of network.
No. Medicare Supplement plans are not impacted.
People with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan can continue to receive care at LVHN on and after January 26, 2026.
No. Your Medicare coverage did not end.
This change only affects network access under certain Medicare Advantage plans. Your plan is still active — but where you can receive in-network care may have changed.
