Genesis HealthCare System in Zanesville, Ohio is ending its network agreements with four insurers, with changes starting in 2027. If you live in the region and use Genesis for your care, here is a plain-English look at the Genesis HealthCare Medicare Advantage changes and what you can do about them.
Genesis HealthCare Medicare Advantage Changes: What’s Actually Different
Genesis HealthCare System is ending its contracts with these insurers:
- Aetna Medicare Advantage: January 1, 2027
- Medical Mutual of Ohio Medicare Advantage: January 1, 2027
- CareSource (both Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care): January 1, 2027
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage: April 1, 2027
Some earlier reports listed January 1 for all four insurers. More recent local reporting lists April 1 for UnitedHealthcare, so confirm the date for your specific plan. The changes affect Zanesville Medicare Advantage members who use Genesis’s hospitals and physician network in the Zanesville, Ohio region.
Why This Is Happening
Genesis has said the decision relates to an ongoing dispute over claim denials for care already provided. The system has said it is open to reinstating a contract if terms can be worked out with the insurer. Disputes like this are becoming more common between hospital systems and Medicare Advantage insurers across the country, and they generally center on reimbursement and claims handling.
Why This Matters for You
If you are on an Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medical Mutual or CareSource plan and use Genesis for care, this change is worth understanding as you think through your coverage for next year. Emergency care is generally covered at in-network rates regardless of contract status.
What You Can Do
- Check your plan against the list above. If you are on one of these four insurers and see a Genesis doctor or use a Genesis facility, find out how this affects your specific coverage and when.
- Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) now. Plans were required to get it to you by September 30. It explains changes to your plan for 2027, but contract situations can change after notices go out, so also ask your plan directly whether Genesis will be in network.
- Consider a free information session. Genesis is hosting seven sessions, and representatives from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) are expected to attend to explain coverage options:
- October 5, 9:30 a.m., Muskingum County Welcome Center
- October 7, 1:30 p.m., Noble Apex Event Center
- October 13, 2 p.m., Guernsey Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center
- November 2, 9:30 a.m., Coshocton Village Inn
- November 5, 1 p.m., Muskingum County Welcome Center
- November 16, 1 p.m., Morgan County Senior Center
- November 17, 9:30 a.m., Perry County Senior Center
- Use the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7. This is your regular opportunity to compare plans or consider Original Medicare with a Medigap policy if you would like a change.
- Ask your doctor which plans they currently accept. This is often the simplest way to understand your realistic options.
- Watch for updates. Genesis has said it would restore a contract if terms are met, so check back before making a final decision.
Let’s Talk Through Your Options
If you are on one of these four plans and use Genesis for your care, we are glad to help you understand your options at no cost and no pressure. Reach out anytime for a free Ohio Medicare consultation.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
