Mercy Health has told patients that its contract with United Healthcare expires at the end of the year, and that without a new agreement it would stop treating people covered by the insurer starting Jan. 1, 2027.
The notice, issued Wednesday and posted to Facebook, says the health system's existing arrangement runs through Dec. 31. According to Mercy Health's website, the affected enrollment includes UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and VA Care Network.
Mercy Health says it depends on fair reimbursement to keep care accessible, invest in communities and maintain service quality, and it describes UHC's current offer as insufficient for rising care costs and persistent administrative problems such as denied claims.
The Center for Community Solutions reports that nearly 40,000 residents across Allen, Auglaize and Putnam counties depend on Medicaid. Roughly a quarter of children in Auglaize and Putnam counties are Medicaid-enrolled, compared with about half in Allen County, the center found.
Mercy Health describes itself as one of Northwest Ohio's largest providers, running St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima along with 16 family medicine practices in the three counties and specialty facilities across the region.
UHC-insured patients may keep receiving care at Mercy Health locations through Dec. 31. The statement also says people in ongoing treatment for certain chronic or complex conditions could qualify for Continuity of Care protections even if the two sides fail to reach terms. Emergency care stays open to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage.