Memorial Sloan-Kettering, UnitedHealthcare strike deal; no disruption for patients
There were concerns that a contract between MSK and UnitedHealthcare had expired at midnight, possibly making MSK out-of-network.
Thousands of cancer patients across Brooklyn can breathe easier today — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is staying in-network for UnitedHealthcare members.
There were concerns that a contract between MSK and UnitedHealthcare had expired at midnight, possibly making MSK out-of-network. But UnitedHealthcare now says a deal was actually reached before the deadline — meaning patients were never dropped from the network.
That’s good news for cancer patients in the middle of treatment — they can continue seeing their MSK doctors without any break in care or changes to their plan.
What happened?
For weeks, MSK and UnitedHealthcare were locked in tense contract talks. UnitedHealthcare said MSK was asking for a 30% rate increase — something the insurance company said would raise costs for employers.
MSK responded by saying the increase was needed to keep up with rising costs and to continue providing the specialized care they’re known for.
Now, both sides have agreed on a new multi-year contract, and MSK remains fully in-network for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial insurance plans.
What does this mean for you?
If you have UnitedHealthcare and you're getting care at MSK — you don’t need to do anything.
Your doctors stay the same.
Your treatment plan stays the same.
And most importantly, there’s no interruption in your care.
MSK says the new rates are in line with what other major cancer centers in Manhattan receive — and that the deal helps them keep delivering high-quality care to patients across New York.
