Sutter, UnitedHealthcare end Medicare Advantage coverage in Placer, Sacramento, Yolo counties

Editor's note: This story was updated at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, with additional information. Sutter Health announced it will no longer provide ongoing, non-urgent care under the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage HMO plan in Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. This change, effective Jan. 1, 2026, affects thousands of seniors who may lose access to their current providers unless they switch plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) through Dec. 7. UnitedHealthcare's website confirms the termination was a mutual agreement between both parties, excluding some Group Retiree HMO/PPO plans. "If affected patients do not take action, they will be automatically dropped to basic Medicare in 2026," explains Bill Anderson with Medicare Done Right LLC. "This may result in higher out-of-pocket costs and limited provider access." To provide help, the following urgent community meetings have been scheduled: · Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Pizza Factory, 555 S Auburn St., Colfax · Nov. 5, 13, 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Round Table Pizza, Auburn Additional meetings are available (visit https://www.medicaredoneright.com/). These meetings, hosted by Medicare Done Right LLC and led by foothills residents Bill and Rita Anderson, will provide free, certified guidance to help seniors navigate this transition. With more than 1,500 Medicare clients served, they are licensed and ready to assist with education and plan changes. Attendees may find it helpful to bring their Medicare card and doctor information. To reserve a spot, visit www.MedicareDoneRight.com. Click the "Let's Meet" button and select a convenient meeting with seats still available. Also, a Sutter Health spokesperson said in an email to Gold Mountain California News Media, "Sutter Health is committed to supporting patients during this transition. We have reached out to all affected patients through letters, emails and outbound calls to provide resources and guidance, including co-hosting in-person events and webinars with licensed insurance agents to help them understand their coverage options and maintain continuity of care where possible. We strongly encourage any affected Sutter patients to explore their options should they wish to remain with their Sutter doctors, hospitals and care teams." The following Medicare Advantage Plans will be accepted by Sutter Health in 2026 in Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties: • Alignment Health Sutter Advantage +More (HMO) • Alignment Health My Choice (PPO) • Sutter Senior Advantage, A SCAN Medicare Plan (HMO)" In addition to Original Medicare for existing patients of Sutter, patients can reach out to a licensed insurance agent, visit sutterhealth.org/medicare to explore Medicare Advantage plans available in their county that include access to Sutter Health, or sign up for an informational Medicare Information event or webinar at sutterhealth.org/billing-insurance/medicare/medicare-related-events.