MONTROSE, Colo. (October 13, 2025) – Montrose Regional Health (MRH) will end its contract with Humana Medicare Advantage plans effective January 1, 2026. The change will make MRH an out-of-network provider for patients covered by Humana Medicare Advantage plans beginning next year.
The decision follows ongoing challenges that have affected both patient care and hospital operations, including long waits for authorizations, denials of medically necessary services, and significant delays in payment for care already provided. In many cases, these denials occurred after services were approved and delivered, leaving the hospital with minimal reimbursement for complex inpatient care. Over the past several years, MRH has absorbed more than $1.5 million in unpaid or underpaid claims tied to Medicare Advantage plans. While MRH has worked persistently through each appeal process, continuing to subsidize these costs is not sustainable.
Hospitals and health systems across the country are facing similar issues, and many are making comparable changes to ensure financial stability and consistent access to care for their patients.
Communication and support for patients
MRH began communicating this change earlier this year, sending letters to all patients with Humana Medicare Advantage coverage in April. The hospital also hosted several community education sessions in partnership with Region 10's Medicare Counseling program, which provides free, unbiased help to people comparing Medicare plans.
"We know coverage changes can cause concern, and our goal has been to keep patients informed well ahead of time," said Paul Perrotti, chief financial officer. "While we cannot advise anyone on what plan to select, we want our community to have the tools and information they need to make the best decisions for their care."
What patients should know
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Effective Jan. 1, 2026: MRH will no longer contract with Humana Medicare Advantage plans.
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Coverage: MRH will continue to accept Original Medicare and all Medicare Advantage PPO plans, including Humana PPO.
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Out-of-network access: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans allow patients to receive care from almost any doctor or hospital, though out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the individual plan.
Guidance for patients reviewing coverage
MRH urges patients to use neutral and trusted sources when exploring their Medicare options. Some local brokers may promote plans that sound appealing but could limit access to certain hospitals, services, and/or providers in the region. Patients are encouraged to:
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Contact their existing, trusted insurance agent who understands local coverage;
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Call Region 10 Area Agency on Aging at (970) 765-3129 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling; or
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Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for official program information.
About Montrose Regional Health (MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health (MRH) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale, and San Juan counties. Licensed for 75 beds, MRH offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory services, medical imaging, Mountain View Therapy, a Level III Trauma Center, an Acute Rehabilitation Unit, a Spine and Pain Center, advanced respiratory and pulmonary care, and a family birthing center. Known for adopting advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and UVC disinfection, MRH is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 850 employees and 100 providers representing 27 medical specialties. MRH is recognized for its warm, personalized care and lives its tagline: “Caring for you like family.”
