Fairview Health Services has announced it’s ending its UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage contract for 2027. Here’s a plain-English look at what’s happening and what it means if you’re affected.
What’s Actually Changing
Fairview Health Services (M Health Fairview) is ending its contract with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, effective January 1, 2027. Fairview has stated this decision is final. Roughly 35,000 Medicare Advantage members statewide use Fairview for care.
Why This Is Happening
Fairview and UnitedHealthcare have negotiated Medicare Advantage contract terms before, and this reflects the latest outcome of that relationship. Fairview’s public position is that the current decision won’t be revisited.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member who relies on Fairview hospitals, clinics, or physicians, this is worth factoring into your coverage review this fall. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is your normal opportunity each year to look at your options.
What You Can Do
- Check your network. Confirm whether your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan relies on Fairview, and how much of your care runs through Fairview facilities.
- Use AEP to review your options. This is a good time to compare plans that include Fairview in-network, or to look at Original Medicare with a Medigap policy.
- Ask your Fairview doctors what plans they currently accept. This can help narrow down realistic options without changing physicians.
- Read your Annual Notice of Change letter when it arrives by September 30. It should reflect Fairview’s network status for 2027.
Let’s Talk Through Your Options
If Fairview is part of your care and you’re on a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, we’re glad to help you compare your options at no cost and no pressure. Reach out anytime for a free Minnesota 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.
