UHG launches pilot program for rural hospitals in 4 states to cut MA payment collection times by half

UnitedHealth Group announced Jan. 14 that it launched a six-month pilot program to reduce Medicare Advantage payment processing times by half for rural hospitals in four states. The program, called the Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot, seeks to reduce payment timelines from less than 30 days to less than 15, on average. The company said participating hospitals were selected "through criteria intended to maximize impact and guide future rural-focused solutions." UHG said it would share the program's progress with providers, policymakers and community stakeholders.