UnitedHealthcare has launched a Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot to assist independent rural hospitals experiencing financial strain. The six-month initiative reduces Medicare Advantage payment timelines by 50%, accelerating collections from under 30 days to under 15 days on average.
Bobby Hunter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Government Programs, said that “rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities” and that speeding up payments helps providers “focus on what matters most: patient care.” The pilot targets specific independent rural hospitals chosen through criteria designed to maximize impact.
UnitedHealthcare will directly manage administration and coordinate with providers throughout the program. Insights from the initiative will inform potential expansion to additional hospitals and markets, with the goal of strengthening rural provider resilience in communities where hospital closures have become an increasing concern.