Medicare Advantage Plan Changes
Morganton, NC – Oct. 27, 2025 – Effective Jan. 1, 2026, UNC Health and UNC Health Blue Ridge will no longer be in-network with the following Medicare Advantage (MA) plans: Humana, WellCare, and Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC, formerly Cigna).
This change does not affect retirees covered under the North Carolina State Health Plan (SHP). “Some patients with Humana Medicare Advantage may have received a letter advising them to find a new provider,” said Gary Paxson, President and CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge. “That message does not apply to SHP retirees. If you’re covered under the State Health Plan, you will able to continue seeing UNC Health providers at the same cost.”
State Health Plan members with Humana coverage can continue seeing both contracted and non-contracted providers, including UNC Health, with no impact on their out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re enrolled in Humana, WellCare, or HCSC Medicare Advantage (not through SHP), you’ll have UNC Health access through Dec. 31, 2025. To keep your UNC Health providers in 2026, you can switch to traditional Medicare or choose a different Medicare Advantage plan that includes UNC Health during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2025).
There is help available for those losing coverage. UNC Health and UNC Health Blue Ridge have partnered with Chapter, a trusted Medicare advisory service, to offer free, personalized guidance for seniors navigating coverage options.
“Chapter’s licensed advisors are here to help you understand your choices and find a plan that keeps UNC Health Blue Ridge in-network,” Paxson said.
To speak with a Chapter advisor, call (919) 421-4476 or toll-free 1-877-230-3239. You can also visit https://askchapter.org/unchealth for additional information and resources.
“We know these changes can be confusing,” Paxson added. “You’re not alone — we’re here to help you stay connected to the care you trust.”
UNC Health Blue Ridge (www.unchealthblueridge.org) is a not-for-profit community healthcare system, providing advanced healthcare and wellness services from more than 50 locations across a three-county region of Western North Carolina. We are the only Level III Trauma Center in the region, offering advanced trauma services close to home. The system includes one hospital with two locations and a continuing care retirement community. Nearly 150 primary care physicians, physician specialists, and extenders in the Blue Ridge Medical Group combine with other physicians on the Medical Staff to serve patients in the region. UNC Health Blue Ridge provides graduate medical education programs for medical school graduates and students in allopathic and osteopathic medicine. UNCBR is affiliated with UNC Health System (www.unchealthcare.org), a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill.
