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Jan 14, 2026 12:00 PM

UnitedHealth Pilot Aims To Cut Rural Hospital Payment Delays In Half

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) on Wednesday said it is launching a pilot program aimed at accelerating Medicare Advantage payments for rural hospitals.

The Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot aims to reduce payment collection times for rural hospitals by 50%, from less than 30 days to under 15 days. This six-month pilot will provide immediate cash-flow relief to independent rural hospitals in states like Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota, and Missouri.

The initiative is designed to support the sustainability of these critical facilities, as highlighted by Bobby Hunter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Government Programs.

Insights from this pilot will guide potential expansions to additional hospitals and markets, helping to refine strategies that bolster rural health stability.

On Monday, a ...