Healthcare Network Changes: What You Need to Know About Medical Billing & Insurance Advocacy
Introduction
Healthcare, medical billing, and insurance can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and at times, even scary. And right now in the Tampa Bay area, those concerns are very real.
Recent changes involving Moffitt Cancer Center, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and BayCare are leaving thousands of patients unsure about their coverage, their doctors, and their next steps.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, you’re not alone—and you do have options.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Major insurance and hospital network changes can have major impacts
You may qualify for continuity of care if you're in active treatment
You can sometimes request out-of-network providers be treated as in-network
Unexpected costs can arise if you continue care outside your network
You may be eligible for a special enrollment period to switch plans
A medical billing and insurance advocate can guide you through every step
What’s Changing here in Tampa Bay Healthcare Networks
Several major shifts are happening:
Moffitt Cancer Center has made changes impacting certain Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
As of July, Humana Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans will be out of network with Moffitt
UnitedHealthcare and BayCare have not reached a contract agreement
If no agreement is reached, more than 147,000 Floridians could be forced to:
Find new doctors
Pay significantly higher out-of-network costs
Interrupt ongoing care
Why These Changes Matter for Patients
When insurance networks shift, the impact goes beyond paperwork. It affects:
Continuity of care
Access to trusted specialists
Out-of-pocket costs
Treatment timelines
For patients managing serious or ongoing conditions, even a small disruption can feel overwhelming.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re affected by changes like these, here are important steps to protect your care:
Continuity of Care May Apply
If you’re in active treatment, your plan likely includes a continuity of care provision.
This often allows you to continue seeing your current provider for a limited time—typically up to 90 days.
Request In-Network Exceptions
If there are no comparable in-network specialists available, you can request that your insurer:
Treat your out-of-network provider as in-network
Approve continued care at a lower cost
Understand the True Cost of Going Out-of-Network
Even if you choose to stay with your current provider (which is now out-of-network):
Costs may increase significantly
You may face additional fees you didn’t expect
Consider Changing Your Plan
If network changes significantly affect your care:
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
This allows you to switch to a plan that better fits your needs
How Medical Billing & Insurance Advocacy Helps
Trying to navigate these changes on your own can feel impossible—especially when you’re already dealing with health concerns.
That’s where Haven Healthcare Advocates comes in.
Our team helps you:
Understand your insurance benefits clearly
Communicate with providers and insurance companies
File appeals and exception requests
Identify cost-saving options
Ensure you continue receiving high-quality care
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare changes like these can feel overwhelming, but there is a path forward.
With the right guidance, you can:
Protect your access to care
Avoid unnecessary costs
Make informed decisions about your coverage
If you’re affected by changes like these in Tampa—or facing any medical billing or insurance challenge—now is the time to get support.
👉 Schedule a consultation with Haven Healthcare Advocates today
We’ll walk you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence.
FAQ’s
What is continuity of care?
Continuity of care allows you to temporarily continue treatment with your current provider even if they go out of network, usually for up to 90 days.
Can I keep my doctor if they go out of network?
Sometimes. You may qualify for continuity of care or request an in-network exception depending on your situation.
What happens if I stay out of network?
You’ll likely pay higher out-of-pocket costs, and some services may not be covered at all.
Can I switch insurance plans because of these changes?
Yes. If the network change significantly impacts your care, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
How can Haven Healthcare Advocates help me?
We guide you through insurance issues, billing challenges, and care decisions—so you can focus on your health instead of paperwork.
