Rhode Island AG Updates Medicare Advantage Info Amid Network Changes

The Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General has updated its consumer resource website to include new information for enrollees in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans regarding continuity of care within the Brown University Health system.

This update follows changes in insurance network coverage effective July 1, 2025, where Brown University Health hospitals are no longer in-network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members. In response, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized a Special Election Period (SEP) allowing affected members to change their Medicare Advantage plan, switch to a Medigap plan, or revert to Traditional Medicare within a specified two-month window.

This SEP is triggered due to the significant network change impacting access to Brown University Health facilities for current enrollees receiving care or who have recently received care from these hospitals. UnitedHealthcare is obligated to notify affected members through letters detailing their SEP eligibility and options. The Attorney General's office provides a dedicated online resource to help Rhode Islanders understand their rights and navigate the transition during this network change scenario. This development highlights regulatory measures addressing network changes and consumer protections within Medicare Advantage plans, emphasizing the need for clear communication and informed decision-making among beneficiaries.