TUPELO – North Mississippi Health Services facilities and providers had been negotiating for almost a year when they decided to end agreements with United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage plans along with Medicaid-required Dual Special Needs Medicare Advantage plans effective May 31.

For members enrolled in one of the two United Healthcare Advantage programs, NMHS providers and facilities are now considered out-of-network.

NMHS will still be in-network for UHC commercial- and employer-sponsored plans. This still does not impact a large number of independent providers. A case in point is Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi, which is independent.

Those enrolled in these plans need to determine whether their plan is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). It matters.

If your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is a PPO, then it provides out-of-network benefits, meaning NMHS can continue to provide its services. However, if your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is an HMO, no out-of-network benefits will be provided.

If you are not clear on whether your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is an HMO or a PPO, check your card. It has the information – albeit in fine print.

There is an annual enrollment period each fall to adjust Medicare benefits.