Brothers and Sisters,

I have some positive news on the NKC Health (formerly NKC Hospital and/or Meritas) and United Healthcare Medicare Advantage coverage issue that was recently brought to our attention (see attached letter below).  After being informed by some members of a communication from NKC stating that they would soon stop accepting the City’s United Healthcare Medicare Advantage insurance plans, I reached out to the Chief Financial Officer of NKC hospital and requested a meeting to discuss the obvious issues and hardship this would place on our retirees who have established relationships with both primary care physicians and specialists under the NKC Health umbrella.  At that meeting, we were able to reach an agreement that NKC Health would continue to receive and treat our members and bill United Healthcare for services rendered through the upcoming 2026 plan year.  There will be some changes to that process, but I believe that the impact to our members will be negligible at worst. 

Coverage under the current plans will continue with no changes at all through March 31, 2026.  However, beginning April 1, 2026, NKC Health may no longer be “in network” under your existing UHC Medicare Advantage plan.  I brought this concern to our Medicare benefits consultant, Benistar, and they assured me that this would not negatively impact plan participants because the 2026 UHC Medicare Advantage plans offered by the City have been customized and should not have any added cost sharing for retirees when utilizing their out-of-network benefits.  In short, the 2026 UHC plan offerings have no real difference in out-of-pocket cost for in-network versus out-of-network medical services.

I would advise that you reach out to Benistar during this open enrollment period and confirm this assessment.  There are also informational meetings offered through the City where you can meet individually with representatives to gather information and make more informed decisions on what healthcare plan is best for you and your family.  I would encourage you to take advantage of those opportunities.  If you are unable to attend one of the in-person meetings, you can reach your Benistar representatives at 844-235-4727.

Thank you again for the opportunity to represent you and your families.  If you have any additional questions or are having trouble reaching the City’s benefits office or Benistar, please contact me at 816-918-9685 or via email at dheizman@iaff42.org.

In solidarity,

Dan Heizman
IAFF Local 42 President
Chairperson – Kansas City Healthcare Trust