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The contract dispute adds to uncertainty in a market where seniors already face disruption By Christopher Snowbeck The Minnesota Star Tribune October 22, 2025 at 4:07PM The east campus of the University of Minnesota Medical Center is currently part of the M Health Fairview medical system. Fairview is informing patients who have UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage insurance that they not have access to M Health Fairview facilities and doctors next year. (Provided/M Health Fairview) Meanwhile, there were no resolutions last year for contract disputes between Kentucky-based Humana and five nonprofit health systems with Minnesota operations, which are all out-of-network. The consequence of a health care provider being out-of-network can vary. In some cases, patients can still schedule appointments so long as they pay more out-of-pocket, whereas others — like the present situation with Fairview and UnitedHealthcare — would prevent patients from scheduling services altogether. Fairview would continue caring for patients in hospital emergency rooms regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. The health system says negotiations remain active, but the lack of a new contract would impact M Health Fairview patients, providers and facilities across the Twin Cities metro as well as its Ebenezer Senior Living division and operations in northern Minnesota. Fairview says it will be in-network next year for several Medicare Advantage plans including those from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners and Medica. “With Medicare open enrollment under way, seniors should consider the possibility that M Health Fairview may not be in UnitedHealthcare’s network as of Jan. 1,” the health system said in a statement. “We know that represents a hassle and hardship.” The Medicare Advantage contract disputes last year spotlighted the issue of payment delays and denials by UnitedHealthcare and Humana — accusations the insurers denied. Christopher Snowbeck Reporter Christopher Snowbeck covers health insurers, including Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group, and the business of running hospitals and clinics. See More
