HCA will update this announcement as information becomes available.
This month, UnitedHealthcare will mail a legally required notice to 9,300 members about an upcoming provider network termination. The mailing states that Providence Swedish will no loner be in network for UnitedHealthcare PEBB Balance and PEBB Complete plans starting January 1, 2027. Read UnitedHealthcare's announcement, Providence's announcement, and Swedish's announcement for details.
This includes Providence, Swedish, Kadlec, and PacMed facilities and providers in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska.
What do I need to do if I receive the notice?
- Any care and services you have scheduled through December 31, 2026 will still be covered at the in-network rate.
- If you're interested in changing medical plans in 2027 to stay with your current providers, you can do so during the PEBB Program's open enrollment (October 26 through November 23, 2026). Learn more about plan options available to you on the Retiree open enrollment webpage.
- Check this page for updates.
What are my coverage options?
Members enrolled in PEBB UnitedHealthcare plans may receive care from out-of-network providers, including those noted above, if they are participating providers which accept the plan. Members are encouraged to speak with their providers to confirm if they will continue to provide care regardless of their network status, and if they will continue to bill UnitedHealthcare for out-of-network claims.
If a provider is willing to bill UnitedHealthcare for out-of-network claims, the member cost share is the same as if the provider was in network. If the provider will not bill UnitedHealthcare, members have the option to pay for services out-of-pocket and submit claims to UnitedHealthcare for reimbursement. For Medicare-participating providers, UnitedHealthcare will reimburse the cost for out-of-network claims minus any member cost share.
Access to emergency or urgent care
Emergency care received at any hospital emergency room will still be covered at the in-network rate. If you need immediate help, call 911 for a hospital emergency or 988 for a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.
Continuity of care for members in current treatment
Members currently receiving services from Providence Swedish for certain conditions may have the right to continue treatment at the network rate for a limited time under a continuity of care provision.
Eligible conditions for continuity of care include:
- Seeing the provider for a serious or complex condition, including certain chronic conditions
- Undergoing a course of institutional or inpatient care from the provider
- Being scheduled for a nonelective surgery from the provider
- Being pregnant and seeing the provider for pregnancy-related care
- Being determined to be terminally ill
Check your plan's certificate of coverage (COC) for more information or call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service at the number below.
Who can I contact for help?
PEBB members should call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service at 1-855-873-3268 (TRS: 711) or visit the UnitedHealthcare website.
