LCMC Health and United Healthcare reach an agreement.
Continuation of Care (CoC) Information
If your provider or facility is no longer part of the UnitedHealthcare network as of November 1, 2025, you may qualify for Continuation of Care (CoC). This allows you to continue receiving care for certain conditions for a limited time while transitioning to an in-network provider.
Who Qualifies for Continuation of Care?
You may qualify if you are:
- Undergoing treatment for a serious or complex medical condition
- Receiving inpatient or institutional care
- Scheduled for nonelective surgery, including postoperative care
- Pregnant and currently in treatment for the pregnancy
- Diagnosed as terminally ill and receiving related treatment
- Receiving active treatment for an acute episode of a chronic illness or acute condition
How to Request Continuation of Care
- Call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare card to request a Continuity of Care form.
- Have your provider complete and sign the form in its entirety.
- Send the completed form to UnitedHealthcare by fax or mail as directed on the form.
- UnitedHealthcare will review your request and provide written notification of their decision.
Timeframes and Determinations
- You have up to 90 days from when your provider leaves the network or through completion of your current active course of treatment to request CoC.
- UnitedHealthcare typically reviews and responds to requests within 15 days, depending on case volume and completeness.
When Continuation of Care Does Not Apply
A member does not qualify for CoC if:
- The member’s condition is stable or only requires routine monitoring
Need Help?
Call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare card for assistance with your Continuation of Care request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Continuity of Care (CoC) approval valid?
A CoC approval is valid for 90 days from the date the provider leaves our network, or through the completion of the current active course of treatment, whichever comes first.
What are the qualifying conditions for CoC?
A member qualifies for Continuity of Care under the following circumstances:
- Undergoing treatment for a serious and complex medical condition
- Receiving institutional or inpatient care
- Scheduled for nonelective surgery, including necessary postoperative care
- Pregnant and currently in treatment for the pregnancy
- Diagnosed as terminally ill and receiving treatment for the terminal illness
- Actively being treated for an acute episode of a chronic or acute condition
How can a provider check the status or escalate a CoC request?
Providers can check status at 877-842-3210 or through Member Services.
For escalations, requests should be routed through Provider Services to the Market Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the appropriate line of business. The CMO will coordinate with the clinical team for review.
If a CoC is approved, are all treating providers and treatment plans covered?
No. Each treating provider or facility must complete a separate CoC form to ensure claims are processed correctly for that specific provider and treatment plan.
If a prior authorization was approved before termination, will it still be honored?
Yes. Any previously approved prior authorization will continue to be honored through its approved period.
In the case of emergent admission, is a CoC form required?
No. Emergent admissions do not require a Continuity of Care form.
Who should I contact with CoC questions?
For questions or to check claim or CoC status:
Call the number on the back of the member’s UnitedHealthcare card.