May monthly overview

Network News is published monthly. See updates below.

May 1 publication

Policy and protocol updates

Medical policy updates
Medical policy updates for May 2026 for the following plans: Medicare, Medicaid, Exchanges and commercial.

Reimbursement policy updates
See the latest updates for reimbursement policies. 

Specialty Medical Injectable Drug program updates
See the latest updates to requirements for Specialty Medical Injectable Drugs for UnitedHealthcare members. 

Pharmacy and clinical updates
Access upcoming new or revised clinical programs and implementation dates for UnitedHealthcare plans.

State news

Maryland Medicaid: Expanded coverage for CGM systems
As of Jan. 1, 2026, we’ve expanded coverage for CGM systems for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Maryland members.

Missouri Medicaid: Appointment availability standards
Missouri providers must meet MO HealthNet appointment availability standards and ensure scheduling staff comply.

Missouri Medicaid: Updated payment policy for acute care readmissions
A member’s readmission to an acute care facility may be considered preventable. Know what can trigger a readmission review.

Pennsylvania Medicaid: Help members get transportation to medical appointments
Medical Assistance Transportation Program helps Pennsylvania Medicaid members get rides to medical appointments. 

Texas Medicaid: Access respite care benefit for STAR Kids
Respite care available for certain UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas STAR Kids members.  

Health plan updates

Brown University Health in network for Medicaid, D-SNP and I-SNP
You can still refer Community Plan of Rhode Island, D-SNP and Nursing Home Plan I-SNP members to Brown University Health.

Medicare in AL, AR & SC: New DME process for select members
On Aug. 1, 2026, you’ll use Synapse Health for durable medical equipment orders in Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina.

Oncology news

New oncology prior authorization code update
On Oct. 1, 2026, prior authorization will be required for a colony stimulating factor medication HCPCS code. 

Select oncology drugs added to Site of Care Policy
On Aug. 1, 2026, we’ll add select oncology medications to our Provider Administered Drugs Site of Care Policy for UnitedHealthcare commercial plans.

Quality improvement

View the 2025 Quality Improvement survey results
The 2025 results of our annual Quality Improvement survey are now available.

Training

AAPI Heritage Month: Advance health equity through awareness
Complete our health equity training for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.