Concerns Over UnitedHealthcare’s Coverage at Memorial Sloan Kettering
In late June 2025, rumors circulated that UnitedHealthcare (UHC), a prominent health insurance provider in the U.S., had halted services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a leading cancer treatment facility in New York City.
Social media feeds featured posts from individuals claiming to be patients of Memorial Sloan Kettering who are insured through UnitedHealthcare. Many expressed frustration, suggesting that the situation has left around 20,000 people confused about their cancer treatment options.
This article garnered significant attention, accumulating 1.1 million views and over 25,000 likes at the time of writing. Various posts echoed similar complaints, and memes began circulating online, reflecting the growing anxiety among patients regarding UHC’s coverage at the facility.
The rumors gained momentum months after the tragic incident surrounding Brian Thompson, UHC’s CEO, who was murdered in December 2024. His death led to increased scrutiny of healthcare coverage and allegations against insurance companies, prompting some to portray his accused murderer as a sort of folk hero due to the circumstances.
Indeed, reports confirm that both the hospital and UnitedHealthcare have been unable to reach an agreement. UnitedHealthcare has accused Memorial Sloan Kettering of attempting to hike prices between 30% and 36%, while the hospital countered that UHC has not fully acknowledged the ongoing need for care. A spokesperson mentioned that UHC’s rate increases have been less than a third of the actual cost increases experienced by Memorial Sloan Kettering since 2020.
Statements from both organizations indicated that if no resolution is reached, coverage for UHC patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering would be suspended on July 1, 2025. Initially, both parties claimed they were negotiating in good faith, although their public statements suggested competing narratives. UHC argued that the quality of care at Memorial Sloan Kettering was notably more expensive compared to other hospitals, while the cancer center contended that their innovative care methods require more frequent patient visits, thereby making it less expensive overall.
A spokesperson for Memorial Sloan Kettering noted that nearly 19,000 patients could be affected by this situation. When inquired about the likelihood of reaching an agreement with UHC, Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Chief Medical Officer, Cardinal Smith, emphasized the critical need for uninterrupted access to healthcare. He stated:
“For people with cancer, nothing is more important than being able to see a doctor without interruption. UnitedHealthcare is jeopardizing the care of 19,000 cancer patients by failing to establish a sustainable agreement with Memorial Sloan Kettering. We provide care that enables patients to extend their lives at lower overall costs, yet we continue to receive significantly lower compensation from UHC. This has been a recurring pattern for UHC in negotiations with other health systems nationwide. We are committed to safeguarding our patients and urge UHC to prioritize their lives.”
Attempts to reach UnitedHealthcare for clarification on Memorial Sloan Kettering’s claims about underpayment were made, and the story will be updated if a response is received.
