November 4th, 2026 – Thousands of Palm Beach County residents enrolled in Centene health plans could lose in-network access to the Palm Beach Health Network as early as January 1, if the two entities fail to reach a contract agreement before year’s end.
Nationally, over 13 million patients and their families stand to lose in-network access to Tenet Healthcare hospitals and doctors by January 1, if Centene, the country’s largest Medicaid managed care organization, follows through on its recently issued contract termination notice, those close to the negotiations say. Roughly 70% of the Centene members who rely on local Tenet hospitals and doctors are Medicaid enrollees, and in Palm Beach County, more than 200,000 existing Centene Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA Exchange covered lives are at risk.
Talks between Tenet and Centene have been ongoing, but the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Termination will take effect on January 1, 2027 — the same day new coverage begins for patients who select Centene plans during open enrollment, which runs November 1 through December 15. The timing means consumers who enroll in Centene plans this fall may believe they are signing up for coverage that includes their oncologist, cardiologist, surgeon, or children’s hospital, only to discover on January 1 that those providers are no longer in-network.
“We are committed to reaching an agreement that protects patients’ access to the care they need while supporting the delivery of high-quality healthcare across our communities,” said Maggie Gill, Group President, Palm Beach Health Network. “We have seen too many cases where Centene has let these contracts expire, putting immense stress on patients and families who just want to keep their doctors and to know they can afford their medical bills.”
The stakes for vulnerable patients are especially high. Without an agreement, patients enrolled with Centene could face disruptions to their existing treatment plans and higher out-of-pocket costs once their provider moves out of network. Medicaid members have fewer healthcare insurance alternatives and the least financial resources to absorb these cost differences.
Centene’s actions are also occurring in parallel to its resolute focus on maximizing financial margins and profitability. In a July 2026 press release, Centene CEO Sarah London said, “Our second quarter results and improved full-year outlook represent meaningful milestones on our path to restoring profitability and increasing shareholder value.” Centene reported $194.8 billion in revenue in 2025, as it cut staff, raised premiums, exited state insurance marketplaces, and is seeking double-digit premium hikes in some markets for 2027. Centene emphasizes it’s commitment to “helping people live healthier lives,” yet Tenet officials say its original contract proposal would have cut hospital reimbursement rates to well below-market levels. When the proposal was rejected, Centene immediately followed with a termination notice, threatening millions of patients’ access to care.
Tenet has called on Centene to resume negotiations with a revised offer, one that is necessary to sustain quality care. Medicaid advocates and hospital industry groups have urged both parties to reach a resolution before open enrollment concludes in December, warning that a January 1 contract termination would leave newly enrolled members without the in-network access they expected when they selected their plan. In the meantime, patients should contact their health insurer to confirm the plan they choose will include in-network access to their preferred local doctors and hospitals. Visit www.keepyourhealthcareaccess.com for more information.
About Palm Beach Health Network
The Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN), comprising seven hospitals and care centers spanning Palm Beach County and Port St. Lucie, is the largest healthcare network in Palm Beach County. Our hospitals, including Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Florida Coast Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center, along with a large multi-specialty physician group, various ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient diagnostic facilities, is recognized for providing the highest quality healthcare, combining cutting-edge health services with patient-centric care. With the greatest longevity in the community, along with hospitals and care centers that span the entirety of Palm Beach County, more patients trust PBHN than any other in the region.
