GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – UF Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a new multiyear agreement that restores in-network access to UF Health hospitals, physicians and facilities for patients with UnitedHealthcare plans, beginning May 5, 2025.

The agreement affects thousands of patients across Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Johns, and Central Florida, regions where UF Health is a primary provider of academic and specialty care. For Ocala-area residents, the agreement ensures continued access to Gainesville-based UF Health Shands Hospital and its affiliated providers, which serve as a major referral center for advanced medical care in North Central Florida.

UnitedHealthcare members enrolled in employer-sponsored commercial plans, the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida (Medicaid), and Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plans, will regain full network access. The agreement also restores coverage at UF Health Flagler Hospital for Medicare Advantage members.

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UF Health and UnitedHealthcare officials say the new arrangement is designed to reduce administrative hurdles, improve efficiency, and support better coordination of care. Patients may experience fewer billing issues and easier appointment scheduling as a result.

All other UF Health hospitals and physicians in Florida remain part of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage network.

For those with UnitedHealthcare coverage, this agreement may reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve care continuity when visiting UF Health providers.

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