To Legacy patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance (Washington)
Legacy Health may be out of network on October 1, 2026.
Dear Legacy Health Patient,
We want to let you know about a change that may affect what you pay if you want to continue to receive your care with us. This letter explains what may happen and your options.
Why is this happening?
Legacy Health sent a notice of a contract termination to UnitedHealthcare. We are currently working on a new contract. If a new contract is not reached by Sept. 30, 2026, Legacy Health will no longer be in your plan’s network. This may mean you pay more if you want to continue your care with us.
What might change?
If no contract is reached by Sept. 30, these facilities may no longer be part of your plan’s network:
- Legacy Health hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers
- Legacy GoHealth Urgent Care centers
- Other Legacy Health facilities and providers
This contract excludes Legacy Silverton Medical Center and Legacy Silverton clinics, which are covered under a separate contract with UnitedHealthcare.
This change will not affect your health plan services.
Can I continue seeing my provider even if they are out-of-network?
Yes, you can still see us after Sept. 30, but you may have to pay much more. What you pay depends on your plan’s rules for out-of- network care. If you have an appointment scheduled after this date, you should:
- Contact your health plan to understand your out-of-network coverage and costs.
- Decide whether to keep or cancel your appointment.
- Explore financial assistance programs with Legacy Health.
- If you are already getting treatment, you may keep the in-network price until Oct. 1, 2026
You may have the right to keep your provider at the in-network price for up to 90 days after the contract ends under state and federal laws known as continuity of care. This means you can receive the in-network price until Dec. 31, 2026 if you are:
- Receiving services from a primary care provider
- Seeing the provider for a serious or complex condition, including certain chronic conditions
- Undergoing a course of institutional or inpatient care from the provider
- Being scheduled for nonelective surgery from the provider
- Being pregnant and seeing the provider for pregnancy-related care
- Being determined to be terminally ill
Under Washington state law, you also may be able to see your primary care provider at the in-network price for up to 60 days after you receive a notice about the contract ending.
For questions about your circumstances, please contact UnitedHealthcare using the phone number found on the back of your member ID card. To learn more about your healthcare plan and receiving care and services from out-of-network providers or facilities, you may refer to your evidence of coverage.
Emergency services
Emergency room care and mental health or substance use crisis services will remain at in-network rates. For emergencies call 911. For a mental health or substance use disorder crisis call 988.
Where can I find help?
UnitedHealthcare
If you have questions about your coverage or benefits, please contact UnitedHealthcare using the phone number on the back of your member ID card.
Legacy Health
To keep you informed, Legacy will post updates and answers to frequently asked questions at legacyhealth.org/UnitedContract.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)
Understanding provider networks can feel complicated, but the OIC is here to support you. If you have questions or need help, you can:
- Visit OIC’s website at www.insurance.wa.gov for helpful information.
- Call OIC’s Consumer Hotline 800-562-6900, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- Contact OIC’s insurance experts at https://www.insurance.wa.gov/ask-insurance-expert.
We are working hard to come to an agreement on a new contract so that you may continue to receive care from the providers you know and trust.
Sincerely,
Merrin Permut, MHA
Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer
Legacy Health
