KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Breaking Update: A representative for United Healthcare has confirmed both parties reached an agreement Friday morning.
“United Healthcare and Covenant Medical Group have reached an agreement in principle on a new multi-year relationship that maintains network access for people enrolled in United Healthcare employer-sponsored commercial and Medicare plans,” United’s statement said. “We appreciate the collaboration of the Covenant team in helping us provide uninterrupted access to quality, affordable health care for the people we collectively serve in Tennessee.”
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Once again, a hospital system in East Tennessee is at odds with an insurance provider, and patients could lose care over the dispute.
Covenant Health and United Healthcare are the companies going head-to-head. According to the hospital system’s website, patients could lose service within Covenant’s system as early as July 1.
“Covenant Health, Covenant Medical Group and UnitedHealthcare began contract renewal discussions earlier in 2025,” the website reads. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach an agreement that recognizes the care that Covenant Health provides to meet our patients’ needs.”
The dispute will affect UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and commercial, or employer-provided, plans.
As of writing, there’s been no word from United Healthcare about coming to an agreement. We reached out to ask for a statement.
Covenant Health operates several hospitals in the East Tennessee area, like Parkwest Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Claiborne Medical Center. The group also says it accepts more insurance plans than any other East Tennessee hospital system.
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