Children’s Mercy reaches agreement, will be covered by ACA marketplace insurance

Children's Mercy's logos and locations are found throughout the Kansas City area, including greeting people arriving at the Kansas City International Airport. The hospital announced that it reached agreement with UnitedHealthcare to accept its Affordable Care Act marketplace plan, so that patients would have an ACA option. A previous announcement that it wouldn't be in-network for any ACA plans upset parents reliant on the facility's care. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — Children’s Mercy patients will have an insurance option on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace after the hospital reached agreement with UnitedHealthcare.

“Beginning Jan. 1, Children’s Mercy will be in-network with UnitedHealthcare ACA Marketplace plans, expanding access to specialized pediatric care for children and families across the Kansas City region,” a Children’s Mercy news release said.

The hospital announced in late October that it would not be covered by any ACA Marketplace insurance plans after Medica, which it had accepted in the past, decided to exit the market in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, and in Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, and Platte counties in Missouri.

Upset parents, concerned about losing insurance for their children, posted on social media when they learned about the lack of ACA Marketplace insurance.

“We are pleased to work with UnitedHealthcare and provide an in-network option for families who rely on ACA Marketplace coverage,” the hospital news release said. “This announcement reflects a shared commitment to helping children access the specialized care they need, while providing greater choice for families selecting coverage for 2027.”

ACA open enrollment is open through Jan. 15 and families must select a plan by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin Jan. 1, the release said. 

The hospital is also in discussions with other ACA marketplace health plans about in-network access, the news release said.