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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.