UnitedHealthcare to Support Rural Hospitals with Accelerated Medicare Advantage Payments, Providing Immediate Cash-Flow Relief

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medicare advantage regulatory

Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that covers services traditionally provided by government-run Medicare. Think of it as a bundled package that combines hospital, doctor, and other medical care into one plan, often with added benefits. For investors, it matters because the popularity and profitability of these plans can influence healthcare companies and the broader health insurance industry.

01/14/2026 - 07:00 AM

Six‑month pilot in Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota and Missouri will focus on reducing collection times for rural hospitals by 50%, from less than 30 days to less than 15 days

UnitedHealthcare today announced the launch of its Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot, a targeted initiative designed to support independent rural hospitals facing financial challenges.

Over the next six months, the pilot will accelerate Medicare Advantage payment timelines by 50%, from less than 30 days to less than 15 days, on average. The pilot will deliver immediate cash‑flow relief and support the sustainability of these important rural hospitals.

“Rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities,” said Bobby Hunter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Government Programs. “By speeding up payments to these critical facilities, we’re helping providers focus on what matters most: patient care. Our goal is to co-create solutions with rural providers that support accessible care close to home. Together, we will learn quickly and scale what works.”

UnitedHealthcare selected these independent rural hospitals through criteria intended to maximize impact and guide future rural-focused solutions. UnitedHealthcare will manage administration and coordinate directly with providers for a smooth rollout, and will share progress with providers, policymakers and community stakeholders.

Looking ahead

Insights from the pilot will guide potential expansion to additional hospitals and markets, helping UnitedHealthcare refine and scale strategies that strengthen rural provider resiliency and support rural health stability.

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with physicians, care professionals, hospitals and other care facilities. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow UnitedHealthcare on LinkedIn.