Bresnahan Slams UnitedHealthcare and Jefferson Health for Leaving Patients Behind Amid Contract Dispute

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group Inc., and Jefferson Health expressing his frustration with their ongoing contract dispute and demanding the two organizations work to resolve it as expediently as possible. The dispute has caused Lehigh Valley Health Network providers and facilities to be out-of-network for many patients since April 26.

"Since this breakdown occurred, my office has heard from constituents across Northeastern Pennsylvania who are frustrated, concerned, and increasingly uncertain about their access to healthcare," wrote Rep. Bresnahan. "Families who have spent years building relationships with their doctors are now being forced to navigate confusing coverage changes, higher costs, and disruptions to care through no fault of their own.

In the letter, Rep. Bresnahan requested UnitedHealthcare, the health insurance unit of UnitedHealth Group Inc., and Jefferson Health resume contract discussions and provide an update on the negotiations and the steps being taken to mitigate the impact on patients. Rep. Bresnahan intends to meet with the leadership of both organizations to get answers and ensure the proper steps are being taken to resolve the dispute.

"Both of your organizations serve tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians and have a responsibility to ensure patients are not used as leverage in negotiations," continued Rep. Bresnahan. "Healthcare decisions should be driven by what is best for patients, not by prolonged disputes that create uncertainty and financial hardship for the very people your organizations are meant to serve."

The full letter can be found here or below:

Dear Mr. Hemsley and Dr. Cacchione:

I write regarding the ongoing dispute between UnitedHealthcare and Jefferson Health that resulted in Lehigh Valley Health Network providers and facilities becoming out-of-network for many patients on April 26, 2026.

Since this breakdown occurred, my office has heard from constituents across Northeastern Pennsylvania who are frustrated, concerned, and increasingly uncertain about their access to healthcare. Families who have spent years building relationships with their doctors are now being forced to navigate confusing coverage changes, higher costs, and disruptions to care through no fault of their own.

The hardworking people I represent should not be caught in the middle of a corporate contract dispute. Yet that is exactly what has happened.

While I recognize reimbursement rates and contract terms are complex matters, the inability of UnitedHealthcare and Jefferson Health to reach an agreement has placed the burden squarely on patients. Individuals undergoing treatment, managing chronic conditions, caring for aging parents, or seeking routine medical services are now left wondering whether they can afford to continue seeing their providers or must start over elsewhere.

That outcome is unacceptable.

Both of your organizations serve tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians and have a responsibility to ensure patients are not used as leverage in negotiations. Healthcare decisions should be driven by what is best for patients, not by prolonged disputes that create uncertainty and financial hardship for the very people your organizations are meant to serve.

I urge both parties to immediately resume meaningful negotiations and work toward a resolution that restores in-network access for affected patients as quickly as possible. Every day this dispute continues, more families face unnecessary stress, confusion, and potential interruptions in care.

In addition, I request both UnitedHealthcare and Jefferson Health provide my office with an update on the status of negotiations, the steps being taken to mitigate impacts on patients, and a timeline for returning to productive discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

My team will also be reaching out to schedule meetings with leadership from both organizations. The people of Northeastern Pennsylvania deserve answers as to why they have been forced to bear the consequences of this impasse, and what concrete steps are being taken to resolve it. These conversations will be an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to restore access to care, protect patients from further disruption, and deliver the certainty that families in our communities deserve.

The residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania expect better. They deserve a healthcare system that puts patients first, protects continuity of care, and provides certainty for families who depend on these services. I will continue monitoring this situation closely and will not hesitate to speak out when the interests of my constituents are overlooked.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

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