White River Health Faces Potential UnitedHealthcare Network Dispute

Contract negotiations could force health system out of network, raising patient costs

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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White River Health in Batesville, Arkansas is actively negotiating with UnitedHealthcare to reach a new contract agreement before March 31. If a deal is not reached, UnitedHealthcare could remove White River Health from its network, potentially increasing costs for patients covered by UnitedHealthcare commercial or Medicare Advantage plans.

Why it matters

This contract dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare providers and insurance companies over reimbursement rates and network participation. Patients often get caught in the middle when these disputes arise, facing the prospect of higher out-of-pocket costs or having to switch providers.

The details

White River Health is working to secure a "fair and sustainable agreement" with UnitedHealthcare that will protect patient access in the region. Care will remain uninterrupted through March 31, but after that date, patients with UnitedHealthcare plans may face increased costs if White River Health is forced out of the network.

  • The current contract between White River Health and UnitedHealthcare expires on March 31, 2026.

The players

White River Health

A healthcare system based in Batesville, Arkansas that is currently negotiating a contract with UnitedHealthcare.

UnitedHealthcare

A major health insurance company that provides commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, and is in contract negotiations with White River Health.

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What’s next

If a new agreement is not reached by March 31, UnitedHealthcare could force White River Health out of its network.

The takeaway

This contract dispute highlights the ongoing challenges patients face when their healthcare providers and insurance companies cannot reach sustainable reimbursement agreements, potentially disrupting continuity of care and increasing out-of-pocket costs.