Important Update for Patients with UnitedHealthcare
NEA Baptist Memorial is negotiating with UnitedHealthcare for a new agreement so patients can continue to affordably access our hospitals and physicians. To date, UnitedHealthcare has not matched our urgency to find a resolution that keeps patients’ care intact.
Effective November 15, 2025, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, our facilities, and physicians will be considered out of network for patients with a UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored or Medicare Advantage health plan. Affected patients will face increased costs for all NEA Baptist Memorial’s services with the exception of emergency care. Even after November 15, patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance can still pay in-network benefit level for care at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital’s emergency department.
Why Are We Negotiating?
UnitedHealthcare consistently denies care and withholds benefits from its members. We cannot allow them to continue to get away with this shameful behavior.
Please know that we are doing everything we can to keep NEA Baptist Memorial accessible to you. At the same time, it’s important that we insist that UnitedHealthcare acts in the best interest of our community.
We remain hopeful that UnitedHealthcare will step up and be the partners in care Arkansans deserves.
Have Questions?
This website will be updated regularly so that those affected can stay informed, [ONCE CALL CENTER IS ESTABLISHED: or call [HOTLINE] to speak directly with our patient information hotline.]
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What is happening?
NEA Baptist Memorial is negotiating with UnitedHealthcare to secure a new, fair-minded agreement. To date, UnitedHealthcare has not matched our urgency to find a resolution that keeps your care intact. Therefore, effective November 15, 2025, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, our facilities, and physicians will be out of network with UnitedHealthcare. Affected patients may face increased costs for all NEA Baptist Memorial services with the exception of emergency care. These patients will still be able to access NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital’s emergency department at in-network benefit levels.
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Why is this happening?
It’s important that we address UnitedHealthcare’s harmful practices, particularly denying care and withholding benefits from their members, who are our patients.
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When does the contract with UnitedHealthcare end?
Our current agreement with UnitedHealthcare will expire on November 15, 2025. Until then, you can and should continue to seek care with NEA Baptist Memorial as you normally do.
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I have a UnitedHealthcare health plan. What does this mean for me?
Our negotiations only impact those with a commercial (employer-sponsored) or Medicare Advantage plan through UnitedHealthcare. For now, you should continue visiting NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, our facilities, and providers as usual. We remain in-network until November 15, 2025.
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Which UnitedHealthcare health plans are affected by the negotiations?
Our negotiations only affect those with a commercial (employer-sponsored) or Medicare Advantage plan through UnitedHealthcare. The VA, Medicaid, and Medicare Supplemental plans are not affected.
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Which caregivers and facilities are affected?
All NEA Baptist Memorial hospitals, facilities, urgent care centers, clinics, and providers are affected by these negotiations.
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What can I do to protect my in-network access to NEA Baptist Memorial?
- Call UnitedHealthcare: Using the number on the back of your insurance card, let UnitedHealthcare know how vital it is to have in-network access to your trusted NEA Baptist Memorial providers.
- Contact your broker: If you are eligible for Medicare, you can switch to a new health plan that guarantees in-network access to NEA Baptist Memorial in 2026. Visit Medicare Compare Website to learn more. Please note that you can only switch to a new plan during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which lasts from October 15-December 7, 2025.
- Talk to your employer: If you have insurance through work, let your HR or benefits manager know you want a plan that includes access to NEA Baptist Memorial. Employers often review benefit options in advance of open enrollment, so it’s important they know this matters to you.
- Stay informed. Visit this updated UnitedHealthcare information page or call our patient information hotline at [(###) ###-####. if you have questions about our negotiations or want to know the status of our relationship with UnitedHealthcare.
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What if I’m in the hospital when the contract ends on November 15?
If you are admitted to the hospital before November 15, 2025, your stay will be covered at in-network benefit levels through the end of that inpatient admission.
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None of the hospitals, health systems or physicians near me are in network with UnitedHealthcare, what should I do?
Reach out to UnitedHealthcare: Using the number on the back of your insurance card, let UnitedHealthcare know how vital it is to have in-network access to your trusted providers at NEA Baptist Memorial and how vital access to local care is for you and your family. The network of healthcare providers you pay for shouldn’t be disrupted mid-year.
If you have health insurance through your work, let your HR or benefits manager know that you want in-network access NEA Baptist Memorial.
If you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another plan that includes NEA Baptist Memorial in its network during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which lasts from October 15-December 7, 2025. -
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Emergency care is always covered at in-network benefit levels. If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room.
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What if I have an elective procedure scheduled at NEA Baptist Memorial on or after November 15, 2025?
If you are concerned, contact your provider’s office to request your appointment or procedure be moved to a date before November 15.
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How can I stay up to date on the negotiations?
Visit this updated UHC information page for the most current information about the status of our relationship with UnitedHealthcare.
Take Action
Your voice matters.
Consider taking the following actions so UnitedHealthcare understands that you would like to maintain in- network access to your trusted NEA Baptist Memorial hospitals and doctors.
- Call UnitedHealthcare: Using the number on the back of your insurance card, let UnitedHealthcare know how vital it is to have in-network access to your trusted NEA Baptist Memorial Health Care team.
- Contact your broker: If you are eligible for Medicare, you can switch to a new health plan that guarantees in network access to NEA Baptist Memorial in 2026. Please note, you may only do this during Medicare’s open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7. Plans that guarantee in-network access to NEA Baptist Memorial are found at [URL].
- Talk to your employer: If you have insurance through work, let your HR or benefits manager know you want a plan that includes access to NEA Baptist Memorial. Employers often review benefit options in advance of open enrollment, so it’s important they know this matters to you.