UnityPoint Health insurance bridge agreements to end Jan. 1

SIOUX CITY — UnityPoint Health is encouraging patients covered by certain health insurance plans to review their options, as those plans will not be accepted next year.

The health insurance plans are:

Ambetter Health, a Centene Iowa Total Care ProductPartners Direct HealthCentivoWellcare Medicare AdvantageMount Carmel MediGold – Medicare AdvantageWellpoint – Medicare AdvantageOscar

UnityPoint Health acquired MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center and its affiliated clinics in a deal that became final on Sept. 1. In effort not to disrupt care for former MercyOne patients, UnityPoint Health worked with insurers to create bridge agreements. Those agreements end on Jan. 1. which means those plans will no longer be accepted by UnityPoint Health.

A spokeswoman for UnityPoint Health — Sioux City provided The Journal with the following statement:

"UnityPoint Health understands the relationship between a patient and their healthcare provider is a critical component of the overall healthcare experience. Patients currently covered by the following health insurance plans can continue to see UnityPoint Health – Sioux City care teams and keep their scheduled appointments through December 31, 2025, at any of our hospitals, clinics and/or the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Starting January 1, 2026, if you are currently covered by any of these health insurance plans, we encourage you to review your options and consider selecting a plan for 2026 that has UnityPoint Health in-network. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your provider as we want to help you navigate through this transition."