Lee Health and UnitedHealthcare: What Southwest Florida Patients and Employers Need to Know

Lee Health has announced it is ending its hospital and physician contracts with UnitedHealthcare, effective December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, Lee Health hospitals and physicians will be out-of-network for affected UnitedHealthcare employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans. For Southwest Florida patients who use Lee Health, that is a significant network change — and it lands right in the middle of open enrollment.

Here's what's happening, who it affects, and what your options are. (This situation is still developing as of publication. The two sides could still reach an agreement before the deadline. Always confirm the current status at LeeHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare or call Lee Health's information line at 239-320-1234.)

What was announced

Lee Health notified UnitedHealthcare that it will terminate both of its participation agreements — the hospital contract and the separate physician-group contract — at the end of 2026. The health system has said it does not currently see a path forward to restoring the relationship.

The two sides have publicly disagreed about why. Lee Health has pointed to concerns about UnitedHealthcare's authorization and claim-denial processes and their effect on timely patient care, and has said the insurer owes it a large sum in disputed and underpaid claims. Those are Lee Health's stated positions. Contract disputes like this sometimes resolve before the deadline — but you should plan as though the change will take effect.

Who is affected

The change affects UnitedHealthcare members in three categories:

• Employer-based (group) plans — if your employer's health plan is through UnitedHealthcare and you use Lee Health.
• Individual plans — including many bought through the marketplace. (Lee Health says UnitedHealthcare Exchange/Marketplace plans already do not include Lee Health — another reason to verify your specific plan.)
• Medicare Advantage plans — and these members may face the most disruption, because switching plans outside the right enrollment window isn't automatic.

Two important exceptions:

• Emergency care has important federal protections. Federal law generally protects emergency care from surprise out-of-network billing at in-network cost-sharing rates when your plan covers emergency services; exceptions may apply. If you have an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is not affected. Medigap coverage was never tied to Lee Health's network status, so those enrollees keep their access.

What to do, depending on your coverage

If you have an individual UnitedHealthcare plan: open enrollment for 2027 (November 1, 2026–January 15, 2027) is your window to switch to a plan that keeps Lee Health in-network, if that access matters to you. Confirm the network before you enroll — see our open enrollment tips [blocked].

If you're on a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan: the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15–December 7, and that's typically your chance to change plans for 2027. If keeping Lee Health matters to you, review your options during that window. Don't cancel any 2027 appointments before you understand your coverage.

If you're a business owner offering a UnitedHealthcare group plan: your employees who use Lee Health will be affected. This is the moment to review whether your current carrier and plan design still serve your team — and whether a different carrier or a different funding approach [blocked] would give your people better access at a comparable or lower cost.

How we can help

Network changes like this are exactly where an independent consultant earns their keep — we're not tied to one carrier, so we can compare your options across the market. If you're an individual, family, or business owner affected by this change, we'll help you understand your choices for 2027 at no cost. Reach out here [blocked] or call (239) 273-9173.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Lee Health go out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare? The contracts end December 31, 2026. Lee Health hospitals and physicians become out-of-network for affected UnitedHealthcare plans on January 1, 2027.

Which UnitedHealthcare plans are affected? Employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans. Emergency-care protections and any applicable continuity-of-care rights depend on the plan and circumstances, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is not affected.

Could the two sides still reach a deal? Yes. Provider-insurer contract disputes sometimes resolve before the termination date. As of publication, no agreement had been reached. Verify the latest at LeeHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare.

I'm on a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan — what should I do? Review your options during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7). Don't cancel scheduled 2027 appointments until you understand your coverage, and consider speaking with a licensed agent.

Roger Aboytes is the founder of Vantage Pointe Consulting, an independent, multi-carrier benefits firm in Southwest Florida. Last updated: September 2026.