MSK - United Healthcare (UHC) Insurance Contract Negotiations

MSK - United Healthcare (UHC) Insurance Contract Negotiations

Last Updated

May 30, 2025

At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), our top priority is making sure patients have access to the highest-quality cancer care.

We have been in talks with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to reach an agreement that keeps MSK in-network for our patients. If we cannot reach an agreement, MSK’s contract with UHC and Oxford (which is part of UHC) will end on July 1, 2025. This would change how UHC covers patient costs for care at MSK.

We know insurance changes can be stressful for our patients and their families. Our goal is to keep them informed and supported throughout the process.

If you are a patient at MSK, here’s some important information:

What You Need to Do Now

Right now, nothing has changed. MSK is still in-network with UHC. You should keep all your appointments and continue your care as planned.

You may have received a notice from UHC. This letter explains how to apply for continuity of care and transition of care. These programs may let you keep getting care at MSK at the in-network rate, even if MSK is out-of-network after July 1. You will need to apply with UHC by July 30.

What Happens After July 1


If MSK and UHC are not able to reach an agreement, your coverage after July 1 depends on your UHC plan.

If you have questions about coverage for your care at MSK after July 1, you should call UHC.

If You Had a Qualifying Life Event

If you recently had a qualifying life event (such as getting married, divorced, having a baby, or changing jobs), you may be able to change your insurance now. Talk with your HR department. MSK works with many other major insurers including Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna. Visit MSK.org/insurance-plans to learn more.

Questions?

If you have questions about coverage for your care at MSK after July 1, you should call UHC.

If you have questions for MSK’s Patient Billing Services team, call us at 646-227-3378.

Why MSK’s Care Matters

MSK provides world-class cancer care that leads to better results and is more cost-effective than other leading hospitals in the region:

  • Patients treated at MSK have higher three-year survival rates and 16% lower total costs than those treated at other leading hospitals in New York.
  • MSK’s specialized approach leads to 25% fewer hospital stays and 76% fewer outpatient visits.
  • MSK offers more new treatments and clinical trials than any other cancer center in the region — sometimes improving survival rates by up to 70%, depending on the stage of cancer.
Why did MSK and UHC fail to reach a contract renewal agreement?

MSK and UnitedHealthcare, which includes Oxford, have been engaged in good faith negotiations but have not yet reached a new agreement that reflects the real cost and proven value of MSK’s specialized cancer care. We remain focused on reaching an agreement that supports continued access to superior cancer care for our patients, while recognizing the need for sustainable reimbursement rates.

When will MSK be out of network with UHC?

If we are unable to reach a new agreement, MSK will no longer be in-network for patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance starting July 1, 2025. This includes patients with Oxford insurance.

We are currently notifying affected patients to give them as much time as possible to understand their options and plan for care. We’ve also launched a dedicated website with more information and support which can be found at MSK.org/united-info.

What will happen to UHC patients seeking treatment at MSK?

If UHC removes MSK from its network, cancer patients insured by UHC may face higher out-of-pocket costs and encounter barriers to accessing the high-quality, specialized cancer care they receive today. MSK is actively working to avoid this outcome and is continuing to negotiate in good faith with UHC. The impact on each patient will ultimately depend on their specific situation, the type of care they are receiving, and the insurance plan they have with UHC.

Will MSK go out of network for all UHC plans if an agreement isn’t reached?

No. These plans are not impacted by our UHC contract renewal:        

  • Optum Cancer Resource Services *
  • United Resource Networks*
  • Optum Transplant Center of Excellence Program*
  • UnitedHealthcare/AARP Medicare Supplemental Plans – Medicare Fee for Service remains primary
  • United Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Care are not impacted as MSK is not currently an in-network provider.
  • Patients enrolled in UHC and Oxford fully insured commercial plans will continue to have in-network access to MSK’s hospital/facility services through August 30, 2025, under New York State’s “cooling off” period. All physician/professional services will be out of network as of July 1, 2025.
  • Patients with UHC and Oxford ASO (self-funded) commercial plans will see all services go out of network on July 1, 2025, as the cooling off period does not apply to those plans.
  • Patients will receive information from UHC directly regarding their coverage and how to apply for continuity of care.
  • Patients with out-of-network benefits may continue to access MSK under their plan’s terms.

*Includes Medicare and Medicaid products

What can impacted patients do to continue their care at MSK?

We are encouraging patients to reach out to us directly through MSK’s Patient Financial Services (PFS) team at 646-227-3378 with any questions about their coverage or care options or visit us online at MSK.org/financial-assistance for more information — we’re here to help. Patients can also visit MSK.org/united-info for updates.

Patients in active treatment may be eligible for UHC’s Continuity of Care (CoC) and should receive information from UHC directly regarding their coverage and how to apply for CoC. UHC is advising patients to call them directly to identify the appropriate CoC form to complete. MSK’s Patient Financial Services team and clinical teams will assist with the process and submit the form to UHC on the patient’s behalf.

What should patients do if they have a scheduled treatment at MSK on or after July 1, 2025, when the terms of the contract between MSK and UHC officially expire?

If an agreement is not reached by July 1, the impact on coverage will vary based on the type of UHC plan a patient has:

We encourage all patients with upcoming care scheduled on or after July 1 to contact MSK’s Patient Financial Services team at 646-227-3378 or visit us online at MSK.org/financial-assistance for more information. Our team can help verify your coverage, walk you through your options, and ensure you are supported in maintaining your care.

Can patients switch to other insurance plans that are in-network with MSK?

Patients should talk with their human resources (HR) department about whether they can switch insurance plans. In most cases, patients are only able to switch insurance plans outside of their employer’s open-enrollment period if they experience a qualifying life event such as getting married, divorced, having a baby, or changing jobs. Patients who want to ensure MSK remains in-network for their care can explore other insurance options during the next open enrollment period. Open enrollment is typically the time when employees can review and make changes to their health insurance coverage. MSK has relationships with many insurers, including Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and several other plans that are listed on mskcc.org.  

If patients have questions or need assistance navigating their options, they can contact our Patient Financial Services team at 646-227-3378 or visit MSK.org/financial-assistance for more information.

Will MSK offer any financial assistance to UHC patients who cannot afford out-of-network rates but want to continue receiving their care at MSK?

MSK is dedicated to supporting patients in navigating their financial options. Financial assistance is available when a patient is not granted Continuity of Care, but MSK determines that continued care at MSK is necessary for clinical reasons. We encourage those facing financial difficulties to reach out to our Patient Financial Services team at 646-227-3378 or visit MSK.org/financial-assistance for more information. 

Is MSK doing anything to keep its pricing down?

MSK continuously works to drive down costs, from reducing pharmacy supply expenses to optimizing lab operations to reducing our workforce. Our precise, innovative, and effective treatments reduce the need for repeat visits and additional interventions. As a result, the overall cost of patient cancer care at MSK is far more cost-effective for patients and payors.

Despite these efforts, the costs of delivering high-quality cancer care under the proposed UHC rates are simply not sustainable. As we continue our negotiations with UHC, it is crucial to recognize that our proposed rate adjustments are necessary to maintain the level of service and care that our patients deserve.

Who can patients talk with if they are worried about paying for their care at MSK?

If patients are concerned about paying their hospital bills, they can contact our Patient Financial Services team at 646-227-3378. They can also learn more at MSK.org/financial-assistance. MSK doctors and other medical staff do not know when someone has asked for help. We will never change how we provide care just because a patient has asked us for financial help.

Is there a possibility that MSK and UHC will resume negotiations and come to an agreement before the current contract term ends?

Yes, we are doing everything we can to finalize a new commercial agreement with UHC and have been for months. In the past, we’ve similarly been able to reach agreements with insurers prior to the contract terms ending. We will continue to press UHC to come to the table and ensure their plans provide uninterrupted access to MSK’s world class cancer care.

What happens if MSK and UHC reach an agreement after July 1, 2025?

If an agreement is reached after the contract termination date, we will work to reinstate in-network access as quickly as possible for patients with commercial health benefits. MSK will communicate any updates to patients and partners as soon as possible, ensuring that everyone is informed of any changes to their insurance coverage.

Why does this keep happening? MSK recently had contract issues with Cigna and Anthem. Is MSK the problem?

This is part of a troubling trend that is not unique to MSK. Large insurers are increasingly pressuring providers like MSK to accept unsustainably low reimbursement rates, even as those insurers report record profits. But thanks to our strong outcomes and exceptional level of care, we’ve been able to stand firm in the face of mounting pressure.

MSK has approached every negotiation — including those with Cigna, Anthem, and now UHC — in good faith, with one goal: protecting patient access to the world-class cancer care we provide. We are only asking for sustainable rates that reflect the true costs and proven value of that care.

Can a patient transfer their care to another facility?

Yes. If the MSK care team feels that treatment at MSK is no longer necessary or if the patient would like to understand their options, the care team can provide the patient with a list of other centers/physicians for their consideration.

How can staff or patients tell what kind of UHC plan a patient has?

Patients should call the number on their UHC card or contact their HR department to ask whether they have a fully insured or ASO/self-funded plan.