HSHS and UnitedHealthcare Update

Updated: 11/6/2026

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is currently negotiating with UHC Illinois to renew our current three-year agreement which expires on January 15, 2027. There are approximately 80,000 HSHS patients in our central and southern Illinois communities.

Despite extensive attempts by HSHS to negotiate a fair contract on behalf of our patients, UHC continues to demand reimbursement rates well below fair market levels. This negotiation involves our entire Illinois health system – nine hospitals, multiple clinics, physician practices and specialty centers and includes UHC Commercial, Marketplace, and Medicare Advantage (excludes Medicare Supplement aka Medigap) products.

The terms and conditions proposed by UHC do not adequately cover the cost of the high-quality, compassionate care central to our mission established by our founding Hospital Sisters in 1875. When insurance companies undervalue our services, they’re not just hurting one hospital – they’re hurting healthcare access across Illinois. Vulnerable rural and critical access hospitals – like those found in HSHS – are especially hard hit by low reimbursement rates.

Currently, there are no changes that affect care for UHC patients at HSHS Illinois facilities and clinics. During the next few months, we will continue to negotiate in good faith with UHC Illinois to protect in-network access for our patients.

We will provide updates on negotiations at hshs.org/uhc.