Legacy Health and UnitedHealthcare Reach New Contract Agreement
Legacy Health has announced a new contract agreement with UnitedHealthcare, effective October 1, 2026. This agreement ensures that Legacy’s hospitals, clinics, physicians, and providers will remain in-network for UnitedHealthcare members, allowing them continued access to high-quality care at in-network rates. The previous negotiations had caused stress for UnitedHealthcare members, with concerns about potential disruptions to care and higher out-of-pocket costs. Merrin Permut, Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at Legacy Health, expressed relief and gratitude for reaching the agreement, emphasizing that patients can now receive uninterrupted care. Legacy Health noted that its operating expenses have increased by 50% since 2021, while UnitedHealthcare’s payments had not kept pace. The new contract aims to more effectively respond to these increased operating costs, reflecting a shared commitment to patients, although it does not completely close Legacy’s financial gap.
