LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
UnitedHealthcare patients at Lee Health are facing potential coverage changes, with some exploring a “continuity of care” option that could allow them to extend in-network treatment for a limited time.
Lynn Sullivan, a Lee Health patient with UnitedHealthcare, shared her concerns about the situation.
Sullivan and her husband are worried about finding new health plans to continue seeing their Lee Health doctors. She was unaware of the “continuity of care” option, which could potentially help her husband.
“My doctors are at Lee Health, and I have no long-term issue where I would need care. My husband probably would because he just came out of the hospital,” Sullivan said.
If a patient qualifies for the “continuity of care” option, they can continue receiving in-network benefits from Lee Health for a limited period. UnitedHealthcare stated that conditions such as pregnancy and cancer are examples of eligibility, though the option is not limited to those conditions. The duration of coverage depends on the specific treatment.
“Knowing that there would be some type of plan now to continue care, if you have an ongoing problem then, that’s great,” Sullivan said.
When Lee Health announced the decision to end its relationship with UnitedHealthcare almost two months ago, patients with ongoing treatment expressed concerns about the impact.
“My girlfriend is due for surgery here in about a month, so that’ll lead into the therapy after surgery and everything till next year. So I don’t know. We’re kind of screwed,” said Jerry Gerst, another Lee Health patient with UnitedHealthcare.
The deadline to apply for the “continuity of care” option is Jan. 30, 2027, which is 30 days after UnitedHealthcare is set to go out of network with Lee Health. However, Lee Health clarified that UnitedHealthcare determines patient eligibility for the plan.
UnitedHealthcare advises members to call the number on their health plan ID card for assistance. A team of advocates is available to help patients apply for the “continuity of care” option.
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