A hospital system just drew a line in the sand, and four major insurers are on the other side of it. Genesis HealthCare System has formally notified Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio and CareSource that it plans to terminate its current contracts on Jan. 1, 2027 — unless fairer terms can be negotiated before then.

Who's Affected and Who Isn't

The notice specifically targets Medicare Advantage plans offered by Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Medical Mutual of Ohio, along with both Medicare Advantage and Medicaid coverage through CareSource. Notably, commercial employer-sponsored insurance for working families remains untouched by this dispute, as do traditional Supplemental Medicare and Medigap plans — meaning the fight is narrowly focused rather than sweeping across every type of coverage Genesis accepts.

Two Years of Mounting Frustration

This isn't a decision made overnight. Genesis says the move follows two years of escalating denials and payment takebacks for care that its own doctors determined patients needed — and that Genesis ultimately provided regardless of the insurance pushback.

What Patients Need to Know Right Now

For anyone currently receiving care through Genesis, nothing changes today. Coverage remains exactly as it is through Dec. 31, 2026. Patients are encouraged to keep their scheduled appointments, seek care whenever they need it, and head to the emergency department without hesitation in any genuine emergency.

Genesis Leadership Explains the Decision

"This was not our first choice but was our last resort. We had to take this action because we believe the behaviors of these insurance companies are so harmful to patients, doctors and our community's hospital," said Matthew Perry, president and CEO of Genesis HealthCare System. "Patients should be able to count on their insurance company to cover the care their doctors determine they need. If they will, we will gladly renew our contracts."

The Financial Stakes

Genesis is currently contesting 9,000 active denials of coverage for care it has already provided, a dispute the health system says has resulted in millions of dollars in losses. Genesis contends that many of these denial practices run inconsistent with federal Medicare rules governing how care must be covered.

Crucially, Genesis says it does not pass those unpaid costs on to patients through surprise billing — meaning the financial burden of these disputed denials falls squarely on the health system itself, directly affecting its ability to keep employing the doctors, nurses and support staff the community relies on for accessible, high-quality local care.

What Happens If No Deal Is Reached

Should new agreements fail to materialize before the deadline, these insurance plans will become out-of-network at Genesis for non-emergency care starting Jan. 1, 2027. Emergency care, however, will always remain covered at an in-network rate regardless of contract status — meaning patients should never hesitate to seek emergency treatment out of fear over coverage.

Steps Patients Can Take Now

For Medicare Patients

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving affected patients a window to explore alternatives. Genesis plans to host free community sessions, publish a plain-language guide, and staff a Patient Financial Advocate Hotline at 740-454-4335 to field questions. While Genesis says it cannot recommend or select a specific plan on a patient's behalf, it intends to provide clear information and connect patients with trusted, unbiased support resources.

For Medicaid Patients

Patients enrolled in Medicaid retain the right to switch insurance companies at any time. If Genesis ends up out-of-network with CareSource come Jan. 1, 2027, affected patients can change their plan by visiting www.ohiomh.com or calling the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800-324-8680 (TTY 711).

Genesis's Commitments to Patients Throughout the Dispute

Genesis outlined several specific promises as negotiations continue:

• The health system will share information as it becomes available, communicated in plain, accessible language throughout the ongoing discussions.
• Genesis will not send patients a surprise bill for amounts it believes their insurance company is responsible for covering — though making that promise work may require patients' cooperation, including promptly responding to insurance questions, appeal requests, or documentation needed to protect their coverage and help Genesis pursue proper payment from insurers.
• Genesis will assist patients in appealing wrongful insurance denials at no charge.
• Genesis will continue serving the community with what it describes as compassion, excellence, integrity, teamwork and innovation, regardless of how the contract negotiations ultimately unfold.