UnitedHealthcare (NYSE:UNH) said on Wednesday it is launching a six-month pilot initiative designed to speed up Medicare Advantage payments to rural hospitals by significantly shortening reimbursement timelines.
Under the program, average payment collection periods will be reduced from less than 30 days to under 15 days, improving cash flow for independent rural hospitals that are under financial strain.
The pilot will be implemented across four states — Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota and Missouri — and will focus on standalone rural healthcare providers facing economic challenges.
UnitedHealthcare said it will provide regular updates on the program’s progress to healthcare providers, policymakers and local community stakeholders during the trial.
Insights from the six-month pilot will be used to assess whether the initiative should be expanded to additional hospitals and regions.
The company said the effort is intended to deliver near-term financial relief to rural hospitals, which often play a vital role as primary access points for healthcare in their communities.