UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans Fact Sheet and FAQs
- After careful evaluation and discussion with UnitedHealthcare, Hendrick hospital locations in Abilene — Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South — will no longer be in-network with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, effective August 1, 2025.
- Hendrick Clinic providers, Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers and Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood will remain in-network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.
- Although Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene will be out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare MA plans on August 1, 2025, patients with UnitedHealthcare MA coverage can continue to receive services at Hendrick Health hospitals and facilities in Abilene.
- Based on our experience, we do not anticipate patients residing in the Abilene market to be charged more than traditional Medicare. To confirm, plan members are encouraged to contact the UnitedHealthcare MA customer service number on their insurance card.
FAQs
Q: How will I be affected by Hendrick Health hospitals out-of-network status with UnitedHealthcare MA plans?
A: Based on our experience, we do not anticipate patients to be charged more than traditional Medicare. To confirm, please contact the UnitedHealthcare MA customer service number on your insurance card.
Q: Will I have to travel somewhere else to access hospital services?
A: No. We anticipate UnitedHealthcare to approve and pay out-of-network hospitals at traditional Medicare rates.
Q: If my physician is in-network with UnitedHealthcare MA, do I need to receive prior authorization for procedures?
A: Yes. In certain instances, prior authorization may still be required in accordance with traditional Medicare rules.
Q: Do Hendrick Health hospitals have to get prior authorization from UnitedHealthcare MA to perform services after they become out-of-network?
A: Yes. In certain instances, prior authorization may be required in accordance with traditional Medicare rules.
Q: I am a teacher and have this plan through TRS. How will this affect me?
A: Since Hendrick Health is a Medicare-approved provider, Hendrick Health’s Abilene hospitals will continue to accept UnitedHealthcare MA plans for TRS members. TRS provides guidance on your plan benefits at https://retiree.uhc.com/trs-carema.
Q: I am a retired Texas state employee with a UnitedHealthcare MA plan (ERS). How will this affect me?
A: Since Hendrick Health is a Medicare-approved provider, Hendrick Health’s Abilene hospitals will continue to accept UnitedHealthcare MA plans for ERS plans. Information can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/.