Valley Health

Valley Health in Virginia and West Virginia to be out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage individual and Group Retiree plans, beginning Oct. 1, 2026

Valley Health’s hospitals, facilities and physicians throughout Virginia and West Virginia will be out of network for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage individual plans and  Group Retiree plans, beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

Important: People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) are not impacted by this change. D-SNP members will continue to have network access to Valley Health’s hospitals, facilities and its physicians on and beyond Oct. 1, 2026.

We are in the process of notifying impacted Medicare Advantage members to inform them Valley Health will be out of network so they can make an informed decision regarding their health care options over the next several weeks.

Our top priority is providing people access to the care they need. We want to provide the following information so the people we serve understand the options they have.

Facts you should know

Using your out-of-network benefits as a Medicare Advantage individual PPO member

Using an in-network provider is the best way to maximize your benefits and to receive the most affordable care possible.

However, people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage individual PPO plan have out-of-network benefits, allowing individuals to receive services from providers who do not participate in our network. Please note the member cost share responsibility will be higher when using out-of-network benefits compared to seeing an in-network provider.

We encourage our members wishing to use their out-of-network benefits to check with their Valley Health provider and confirm they will continue to see them on Oct. 1 and beyond as an out-of-network provider.

Receiving services from an out-of-network provider as a Medicare Advantage Group Retiree PPO member

People enrolled in our Medicare Advantage Group Retiree PPO plans may still receive care from a Valley Health physician or hospital as an out-of-network provider. The member’s share of the cost will be the same as if they were part of the network.

UnitedHealthcare Group Retiree members are encouraged to speak with their physician to confirm Valley Health will continue to see them on and beyond Oct. 1, regardless of their network status. 

For additional information about our Group Retiree plan as well as information on how to find a provider in their area, UnitedHealthcare members should go to retiree.uhc.com.

Continuity of care

People in active or ongoing treatment for a serious or complex condition at Valley Health at the time they go out of network are eligible for continuity of care. Continuity of care provides continued in-network benefits for a limited period of time after a provider goes out of network.

UnitedHealthcare members who have questions regarding continuity of care, including whether they might be eligible and how to apply, should call the number on their health plan ID card. Our dedicated team of advocates are ready to assist them every step of the way.

Transitioning to another provider

People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage individual plans as well as our Group Retiree plans will continue to have access to a broad network of providers throughout Virginia and West Virginia, including but not limited to:

  • Berkeley Medical Center (WVU Medicine)
  • HCA StoneSprings
  • Inova Loudoun Hospital
  • Jefferson Medical Center (WVU Medicine)
  • LifePoint Fauquier Hospital
  • Loudoun Medical Group
  • Meritus Hospital
  • Privia Medical Group

UnitedHealthcare members who need assistance finding another network provider in their area should call us at the number on their health plan ID card. They can also use our provider directory at myuhc.com to search for an alternative provider in their area.

What to do in the event of an emergency

UnitedHealthcare members should go to the nearest hospital in the event of an emergency. Their care will be covered at the in-network benefit level, regardless of whether the hospital participates in our network.