WakeMed And UnitedHealthcare Sign New Three-Year Contract

RALEIGH, N.C. – Following nearly a year of complex negotiations and diligent work, WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare have signed a new, multi-year contract for employer-sponsored commercial plans.

The new agreement takes effect October 15, 2026, and restores in-network access to WakeMed hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty physicians for UnitedHealthcare commercial plan members. WakeMed Primary Care physicians, ambulatory surgery centers and 210 PET Imaging facility have always remained in contract.

The new contract does not include WakeMed’s hospitals, specialists and home health services in United’s Medicare Advantage plans, but WakeMed Primary Care, ambulatory service centers and 210 PET Imaging are included. WakeMed has also remained in network with United’s Medicaid Managed Care plan (UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of NC).

“Throughout these negotiations, WakeMed remained committed to reaching terms that would restore access for UnitedHealthcare members while appropriately recognizing the care and services WakeMed provides to our community. The new agreement includes meaningful improvements in reimbursement and contractual terms and provides a more sustainable foundation for WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare to continue their commercial relationship over the coming years,” commented Stephanie Sessoms, WakeMed executive vice president & Chief Financial Officer.

WakeMed will resume scheduling and providing services, on an in-network basis, to UnitedHealthcare commercial members as of October 15, 2026. WakeMed is currently notifying patients, providers, and members of the community about the new contract.