Provider FAQs: UCare / Medica information

Provider Participation Agreement Assignment Notice

As permitted by the Provider Participation Agreement, UCare Minnesota has assigned all active Provider Participation Agreements to its wholly-owned subsidiary, UCare Community Health Plan (“UCHP”) effective as of December 31, 2025. Pursuant to the terms of the assignment:

• For Periods On or Before December 31, 2025 – No changes are anticipated to the Provider or Enrollee experience. UCare Minnesota Enrollees will continue to receive Covered Services from Providers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Provider Agreements. Providers will continue to submit claims for Covered Services to UCare Minnesota in accordance with the claims submission process in the Provider Manual. UCare Minnesota will be responsible for all payments to Providers for all Covered Services rendered to UCare Minnesota Enrollees in accordance with the Provider Agreements on or before December 31, 2025.
• For Periods On or After January 1, 2026 – Providers will continue to provide Covered Services to UCHP Enrollees (formerly UCare Minnesota Enrollees) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Provider Agreements. UCHP will be solely responsible for payment for all Covered Services provided to UCHP Enrollees on or after January 1, 2026. Claims submission will continue as is until further notice is provided on www.medica.com/providers.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

On November 17, 2025, Medica and UCare announced a definitive agreement for Medica to acquire certain contracts and assets of UCare. See the news release for further details.

To assist providers with this transition, we have created a list of frequently asked questions, as well as links to helpful resources. As more information becomes available, we will update this page.

How is this assignment related to the announced transaction between UCare Minnesota and Medica?
As previously announced, on or about January 1, 2026, Medica will assume UCare’s 2026 Medicaid and Individual & Family health plans that are offered by UCare Community Health Plan (UCHP). UCare Minnesota will continue under state regulatory supervision to wind down its operations. This assignment will facilitate UCHP's continuation of coverage for UCare Minnesota enrollees.

What should providers do today?
Providers will continue to serve UCare members as they do today under their current terms and should continue to submit claims for services to UCare until notified otherwise.

Who should I contact for problems with receiving payment on claims for services?
Until further notice, you should contact the Provider Assistance Center at UCare Minnesota as you have previously done. 612-676-3300 or 1-888-531-1493; Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday.

Will the timing of claims payments for dates of service prior to January 1, 2026, be impacted by the rehabilitation?
Yes. However, the Rehabilitator expects that the rehabilitation plan approved by the court will allow the Rehabilitator to maximize the frequency, timing and amount of reimbursements subject to the availability of liquid assets, which is expected to increase over the next 12-18 months.

How does rehabilitation impact how providers interface with UCare (e.g., claim submission, information portal, policies/procedures, etc.)?
We do not expect any immediate impact to any of the UCare systems or processes utilized by providers. Any changes to systems or processes will be communicated directly to providers via established communication modes.

Will there be changes, including changes to rates, because of the assignment of the Provider Agreement to UCHP?
No, the rates negotiated for 2026 will apply until additional notice is provided.

Do the federal and state surprise billing laws apply?
Yes, where applicable, these laws continue to apply.

Will any systems be affected by the assignment?
No. Providers should continue using the existing systems and points of contact. Any future process changes will be communicated as they arise.

Will UCare be accepting applications for new provider contracts?
UCare will no longer be adding new providers to our network.

Should providers who are seeing UCare/UCHP members continue to communicate relevant changes to UCare (for example, site additions and closures, practitioner additions, demographic updates)?
Yes. In order to ensure UCare maintains accurate location and practitioner information for your organization during this transition period, we will continue to process these requests. Please continue to submit this information to UCare until notified otherwise. These updates can be facilitated by following the process listed on the UCare® -Manage Your Information section of the UCare website.

Will UCare be adding products to agreements for already-contracted providers?
No.

Will this transaction change current relationships or contracts?
No. There are no immediate changes to existing relationships or contracts with either organization. Providers should continue using the current processes and points of contact.

Will the Medica and UCare provider networks be consolidated or changed?
Currently, provider networks remain unchanged.

What will happen to UCare’s members?
Members currently enrolled in a 2025 UCare plan will continue to have their current UCare coverage without interruption. Nothing changes for 2025.

Additionally, individuals enrolled in UCare’s 2026 Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Individual & Family Plans will continue to receive services without interruption. Medica and UCare are committed to providing a seamless experience for members. See Medica's Dec. 3, 2025, news release.

Eligible beneficiaries can continue to select UCare's available plans through the end of open enrollment.

How will Medica ensure continuity of care during the transition?
Continuity of care is a top priority. Medica and UCare are working together to ensure a smooth transition for members and providers. We will share clear timelines, provider resources and proactive communications as they are available to guide these changes.

Can I as a provider stop seeing UCare Minnesota enrollees?
No, your obligations under the Provider Agreement to provide Covered Services to UCare Minnesota enrollees continues in effect.

Does rehabilitation impact UCare members’ access to services?
No. Members continue receiving care and benefits through their existing UCare plan without disruption.

Can providers require UCare members to pay cash upfront?
No. Both the Order of Rehabilitation and Minnesota law prohibits balanced billing by all providers (in or out of network) for all claims associated with dates of service on or before December 31, 2025.

Providers can continue to collect co-pays and other applicable cost sharing from members, as prior to the petition.