Essentia Health has reached an agreement with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to remain an in-network provider for UHC’s Medicare Advantage insurance plan in 2025.

Essentia and UHC have been working toward a resolution to ensure improved continuity of care for patients covered by UHC’s Medicare Advantage plan. Essentia believes that the plans put in place address their concerns regarding excessive prior authorizations and denials.

“We realize that the uncertainty of this situation was difficult for many of the patients we’re honored to serve,” said Dr. Cathy Cantor, Essentia’s chief medical officer for population health. “We felt strongly that it was important to advocate for our patients, and we were able to reach an agreement for 2025 that addresses many of our issues and concerns by improving timely and reliable access to the high-quality care they depend on from Essentia.”

Medicare plan options that are in-network with Essentia include Medica, UCare, EssentiaCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and North Dakota, HealthPartners, Security Health, UHC, traditional Medicare and Medicare supplemental plans.

Patients with questions can speak with an Essentia representative by calling (800) 985-4675 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Please note that this update does not impact patients covered by Humana’s Medicare Advantage plan. Essentia will be out-of-network for Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.

Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. Essentia Health relentlessly pursues that mission at their 14 hospitals, 78 clinics, 24 retail pharmacies, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, seven ambulance services and one research institute. 

Essentia has about 15,500 employees, including 2,350 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care.