Updated May 22, 2025
UnitedHealthcare’s network negotiation with Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) in Rhode Island
We are actively negotiating our contract with Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) with the goal of renewing our relationship for its hospitals for our Medicare Advantage plans
For the past several months we have been engaged in negotiation with Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) regarding our network relationship for its hospitals for our Medicare Advantage plans. Our current agreement with Brown University Health remains in effect through June 30, 2025.
Our top priority is to utilize the time remaining on our hospital contract to reach a long-term agreement that is affordable while maintaining our ability to continue offering the competitive benefits our Medicare Advantage members rely on.
If we are unable to reach an agreement, Brown University Health’s hospitals will be out of network for our Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) and Group Retiree plans, effective July 1, 2025.
Brown University Health’s physicians are not impacted. They will continue to remain in our network at this time, regardless of the outcome of our negotiation.
This negotiation only impacts our Medicare Advantage contract for Brown University Health’s hospitals at this time. Brown University Health’s physicians will continue to participate in our Medicare Advantage network on and after July 1.
We are committed to continued good-faith negotiation. We hope Brown University Health shares our commitment to reach an agreement that is affordable and sustainable for the people we collectively serve.
We have prepared the following FAQs to ensure our members have the information they need regarding our negotiation, as well as next steps in the event Brown University Health’s hospitals leave our Medicare Advantage network.