TORCH CIN LLC, a physician-hospital organization representing 45 rural and community hospitals across Texas, has announced it has formally notified UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of its intent to terminate all participation agreements.
The termination, effective no earlier than June 6, 2027, for the primary network agreement and December 31, 2026, for the ACO and Medicaid shared savings program, represents a significant statement of rural provider frustration. TORCH, or the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals, stated that “this termination notice is both a formal legal action and an urgent call to return to the negotiating table.”
UnitedHealthcare said it needs to balance the need to ensure long-term sustainability of TORCH providers with the need for affordable care. A spokesperson referred to TORCH CIN’s actions as a negotiating tactic and said they do not reflect the ongoing discussions the insurance company has had with TORCH CIN.
Sources: Gilmer Mirror, Houston Public Media, TORCH