Insurance Update

Update on UTMB Health In-Network Plans

Patient Services

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Wellcare Medicare Advantage Contract Termination

To Our Wellcare Medicare Advantage Patients,
August 3, 2026

Thank you for choosing UTMB Health for your healthcare. We value the trust you place in us and remain committed to providing you with high-quality, coordinated care.

We want to inform you of an important change to your Medicare Advantage coverage. Effective October 1, 2026, Wellcare has removed UTMB Health hospitals and providers from its Medicare Advantage network. Beginning on that date, UTMB Health will no longer be considered in-network for Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

If you are currently receiving care from a UTMB Health provider, you may qualify for Continuity of Care protections that could allow you to continue receiving care at your current in-network cost-sharing level for up to 90 days after October 1. Continuity of Care is not automatic, and eligibility is determined by Wellcare. To request Continuity of Care, please call the Member Services phone number on the back of your Wellcare insurance card.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7, 2026) is your opportunity to review your Medicare Advantage plan options and choose a plan that includes UTMB Health in its network or return to original Medicare for the 2027 plan year, helping you continue your care with the providers you know and trust.

We understand that changes to your insurance coverage can be confusing or concerning, and we want you to know that you are not navigating this process alone. Our team is available to answer your questions, help you understand next steps, and connect you with the resources you need. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at 409-747-1810, or InsuranceQuestions@utmb.edu.

You may also review and compare Medicare plan options by visiting the Medicare website, calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or, for TTY users, 1-877-486-2048.

Thank you for allowing UTMB Health to be part of your healthcare journey. We appreciate the opportunity to care for you and are here to help you through this transition.

 Frequently Asked Questions.

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  • Why is UTMB Health no longer accepting my Wellcare plan?

    Effective October 1, 2026, Wellcare has removed UTMB Health hospitals and providers from its Medicare Advantage network. We know this change may be frustrating. Our team is committed to helping you understand your options and continue your care whenever possible. This change only affects Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans and does not affect Wellcare Medicaid members.

  • My doctor is currently at UTMB Health. Can I keep seeing my doctor?

    You can continue seeing your UTMB Health doctor after October 1. However, if you keep your current Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan and do not receive an approved Continuity of Care request, your care may be considered out-of-network. This could mean higher out-of-pocket costs or that your plan will not cover your care, except for emergencies.

    If you want to keep seeing your UTMB Health doctor with in-network coverage after any approved Continuity of Care period ends, you will need to choose a Medicare plan that includes UTMB Health in its network during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). If you have any questions, our Insurance Resource Team is here to help.

  • What is a Continuity of Care request and how do I request it?

    Continuity of Care allows you to keep seeing your UTMB Health doctor for a limited time if you are receiving treatment for an ongoing medical condition. Eligibility and approval is decided by Wellcare based on individual circumstances. If approved, you may be able to continue receiving in-network coverage for up to 90 days.

    If you are currently receiving treatment, call the Member Services number on the back of your Wellcare Member ID card as soon as possible and ask to request Continuity of Care. You can also contact your UTMB provider’s office for assistance.

  • Can I change my plan before the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

    In most cases, no. Medicare rules generally do not allow you to change plans just because your doctor or hospital leaves your plan’s network.

    If you are receiving ongoing treatment, contact Wellcare as soon as possible to request Continuity of Care. If approved, this allows you to remain in your current plan until you can select a new plan or return to original Medicare during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).

    Some patients may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because of other life events or circumstances. Our Insurance Resource Team can help you learn whether you may qualify.

  • Will I pay more to keep seeing my UTMB Health doctor?

    If you do not have an approved Continuity of Care request and stay in a plan that does not include UTMB Health, your care may be billed as out-of-network. This may mean higher out-of-pocket costs, depending on your plan. If you have a Wellcare HMO plan, your care at UTMB Health generally will not be covered, except for emergency services.

    To help avoid unexpected costs, request Continuity of Care and review your Medicare plan options.

  • If I change doctors, will UTMB Health send my medical records?

    Yes. If you choose a new doctor, we can send your medical records to them. To request your records, please call 409-772-9259 or visit our medical records webpage.

  • Can someone help me schedule an appointment before October 1, 2026?

    Yes. Please call our Access Center at 409-772-2222 or toll-free at 800-917-8906. Tell the representative that you are a Wellcare Medicare Advantage patient and would like to be seen by a UTMB Health provider before October 1, 2026.

The information provided above is subject to policy guidelines between the patient and Wellcare Medicare Advantage and the patient’s specific coverage document.  If there is any discrepancy, the policy guidelines in the Wellcare Medicare Advantage coverage document will apply. The patient should contact Wellcare Medicare Advantage directly for specific information regarding out-of-network benefits.