July 2, 2026
CarolinaEast Medical Center has reached a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare, keeping Medicare Advantage members in-network through December 31, 2026.
The hospital announced in May that it would end in-network coverage for Medicare Advantage plans through both Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, with a July 1 effective date. CarolinaEast confirmed the UnitedHealthcare agreement Tuesday morning.
The hospital said the extension is intended to minimize disruptions for patients while it continues providing care.
May 8, 2026
UnitedHealthcare has released the following statement about the planned June 30, 2026, contract termination with CarolinaEast Medical Center for Medicare Advantage policies:
CarolinaEast has indicated it is seeking to exit Medicare Advantage plans, a move that would impact people who depend on these plans for added benefits and cost savings compared to a traditional Medicare plan. We are actively engaged in discussions with CarolinaEast with the goal of reaching an agreement that preserves access to the health system’s hospitals for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
Patients with commercial health plans (employer-sponsored or individual/family), Medicaid plans, or traditional Medicare are not affected by this dispute. CarolinaEast Physicians are also not included in the dispute.
Source: WCTI
May 6, 2026
Starting on July 1, 2026, CarolinaEast Medical Center will no longer be in-network with the UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Benefit Plan.
This change does not impact CarolinaEast Physicians. It also does not apply to patients on original Medicare with supplement plans, or to patients on commercial (individual/family or employer-sponsored) plans.
WCTI has reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment.
Sources: CarolinaEast Medical Center, WCTI
Note: CarolinaEast Medical Center is not affiliated with ECU Health, which is also in the midst of a network dispute with UnitedHealthcare.