All of our patients are very important to us and we keep our patients’ best interests in mind with every decision we make. In order to continue to provide the highest level of one-on-one care to our patients, effective March 1, 2025, all company-owned Therapeutic Associates clinics will be out-of-network (non-participating) with UnitedHealthcare. This will include all UHC Commercial and all UHC Medicare Advantage Plans. Our decision to withdraw from our contract remains rooted in our commitment to delivering the highest quality care while facing low reimbursement rates and administrative burdens imposed by UHC.

If you are currently in a plan of care at a Therapeutic Associates’ location and actively covered by a United Healthcare Commercial or Medicare Advantage Plan, we encourage you to continue with your treatment through February. If you anticipate needing care beyond February, we recommend discussing your options with your clinic and provider to ensure a smooth continuation of your treatment.

Why This Decision Was Necessary

The disparity between the rising cost to deliver quality care and UHC’s reimbursement rates is substantial and unsustainable. Consider the following:

• Stagnant Reimbursement Rates: UHC has not increased reimbursement rates for TAI physical therapy services since 2009—15 years ago.
• Rising Costs: Our total expenses per visit have risen by 31%, driven by increased labor costs, facility expenses, and other operational needs. For comparison, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 47.1% during that same period.
• Escalating Care Costs: Over the past five years, the cost of delivering care has grown significantly, further widening the gap between expenses and UHC reimbursements.

While UHC’s reimbursement rates remain unchanged, the financial performance of UnitedHealth Group (UHC’s parent company) shows a different story:

• From 2009 to 2023, UnitedHealth Group reported more than $155 billion in profit.
• In 2009, UnitedHealth Group reported a profit of $3.8 billion; by 2023, that number had risen to $23.1 billion, representing a staggering 600% increase.

In addition to UHC’s low reimbursement relative to the market and rising costs, UHC has introduced additional administrative processes for Medicare Advantage plans. The new requirements resemble prior authorization and add new burdens to the goal of delivering efficient and quality care:

• Delayed and disrupted care for our patients.
• Increased costs for our clinic to navigate these processes.
• Creates more uncertainty as to whether care that is necessary and is provided will be paid for by UHC.

What This Means for Our Patients Currently Enrolled in a United Healthcare Plan

We deeply value our relationship with each of our patients, and your health and recovery remain our top priorities. For patients currently enrolled in a UHC Commercial or Medicare Advantage Plan, this change means that starting March 1, 2025, we will no longer be considered an in-network provider. Patients with traditional Medicare as their primary insurance that also have a UHC Supplemental Plan should not be impacted.

This does not mean you have to stop receiving care from us. Here’s what we recommend:

• Verify Out-of-Network Benefits: Contact UHC directly to confirm your out-of-network benefits for physical therapy services.
• Continue Your Care with Us: Depending on your benefits, you may still be able to receive treatment at Therapeutic Associates with partial or full coverage through UHC’s out-of-network plans.
• Explore Payment Options: Our team is happy to work with you to find the best solutions to continue your care under our affordable cash-rate option.

Your Voice Matters – Advocating for Your Care

Your access to quality physical therapy matters. We urge you to contact United Healthcare (UHC) and let them know how this change impacts you. Insurance companies need to hear directly from the patients they serve to understand the real-world consequences of their decisions.

Take action today—speak up for continued access to the care you deserve. Contact information can be found on your UHC membership card or on UHC’s website www.uhc.com/contact-us.

We’re Here to Help

We know this change may feel overwhelming, and we want to assure you that our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about this transition, need assistance understanding your benefits, or want to explore alternative payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank You for Trusting Us

We are deeply grateful for your trust in Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy and remain committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. While this decision marks a significant change, we are confident in our ability to continue providing you with the highest level of care possible.