Published on October 13, 2025

Bronson Healthcare Notifies Patients of Contract Negotiations with UnitedHealthcare

Update: November 6, 2025

Bronson Healthcare is committed to keeping our community informed as we work through contract negotiations with UnitedHealthcare. 

We continue to negotiate in good faith, but we have not yet reached an agreement. We remain hopeful that UnitedHealthcare will concede to contract terms and reimbursement rates that are fair and equitable for healthcare providers and our patients. People are being hit hard by inflation and increasing healthcare premiums, and not-for-profit health systems like Bronson continue to absorb a disproportionate amount of the rising cost of providing healthcare services. 

We recognize that the longer negotiations continue, the more challenging it is for people making health insurance decisions during annual open enrollment. Please know that we are working diligently to resolve this matter in a way that protects access to care and minimizes disruption for our patients.

We appreciate the community’s patience and support and will continue to provide updates as they become available.

October 13, 2025

At Bronson, the health and well-being of our community is our highest priority — and our commitment to ensuring high-quality, affordable and easily accessible care remains stronger than ever.

Bronson Healthcare is currently negotiating reimbursement rates with UnitedHealthcare for renewal of our commercial insurance contract. We are doing everything we can to negotiate in good faith and ensure continuity of patient care. Bronson is a not-for-profit community health system, and our ability to provide high-quality care relies on agreements with insurance payors that are efficient to administer and financially sustainable for patients and healthcare providers.

If we are unable to reach a new agreement, Bronson hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient locations may become out of network for UnitedHealthcare plans beginning January 1, 2026.

This change would affect individuals with UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plans or plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. We encourage patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance to verify their coverage details with UnitedHealthcare as employers begin their annual open enrollment process.

Contract negotiations are a routine part of healthcare to ensure that health care providers are reimbursed fairly for the care we provide, so that we can continue delivering the same exceptional care despite the rising cost of labor, supplies and pharmaceuticals. We remain hopeful that we will reach a fair and timely resolution so our patients are not impacted by any changes.

Bronson is reaching out directly to patients and employers who may be impacted. This website will be updated with the most recent information as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

If no agreement is reached, all Bronson hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient locations may be affected. Some doctors who care for patients at Bronson are independent and not Bronson employees. Because their insurance participation may differ, patients should check directly with UnitedHealthcare or their provider’s office.

This notice concerns commercial insurance plans only. It does not change traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicaid coverage unless specifically stated. Patients should contact their plan for details.

Eligibility for plan changes is determined by your employer or by state and federal marketplace rules. A network change alone may not qualify. Contact your employer benefits team or licensed broker to understand your options.

If your organization offers UnitedHealthcare plans, our Managed Care team can provide general education on potential impacts and options for employees. Email Managed Care.

Scheduled appointments

We will help review your options, including rescheduling, referring to an in-network provider when appropriate, or discussing financial implications of out-of-network care.

Inpatient care already in progress

If you are admitted before the effective date, your stay may qualify for in-process coverage under your current benefit rules. We will work directly with UnitedHealthcare on active cases.

Emergencies

You should always go to the nearest emergency department in a medical emergency. Federal protections under the No Surprises Act apply to emergency care.

Continuity of care

Certain patients with ongoing treatment may qualify for continued in-network coverage for a limited time. Eligibility and timeframes are determined by your plan. Call a Bronson Financial Counselor at the phone number below or contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-888-842-4571.

Prior authorizations and referrals

Authorizations issued before the effective date may need to be reviewed. Please have your authorization number available when you call.

Out-of-pocket costs can be different for out-of-network care, and we encourage patients to contact UnitedHealthcare to understand their coverage. Bronson offers financial assistance for eligible patients. Patients may contact Bronson Financial Counselors for estimates, options, and information on financial assistance.

Bronson will continue to negotiate in good faith with UnitedHealthcare for an agreement that is sustainable and ensures that patients have access to high-quality care in Southwest Michigan.

This website will be updated with the most recent information as it becomes available. Bookmark this page or visit bronsonhealth.com/uhc-2025 for updates.