Medicare Advantage plans aren’t just straining the health care system in theory; the failures are landing directly on patients, providers and communities. ATRIO’s nearly $60 million in unpaid obligations to Asante has forced the health system to limit routine care for thousands of seniors, all while facing the already-severe regulatory and industry headwinds.
This is exactly what happens when private plans are allowed to overpromise, underpay and shift risk back onto communities. Patients deserve coverage they can count on, and providers deserve to be paid for the care they’ve already delivered. Stories like this make clear that stronger oversight and real accountability for Medicare Advantage is critical.
Read more in the press release below and linked here, published on February 25, 2026.
ATRIO Health Plans delinquent nearly $60 million for health care services rendered to its members at Asante
ATRIO Health Plans members can change Medicare Advantage plans through March 31 to keep access to their Asante providers
ATRIO Health Plans Medicare Advantage coverage became out of network with Asante, effective January 1, 2026. ATRIO currently owes Asante about $60 million for health care services already provided. Because ATRIO has repeatedly failed to pay for the care its members rely on, Asante cannot—with several exceptions—offer new routine care appointments after March 31. Routine appointments that are already scheduled will remain unchanged through June 30. Asante is providing resources to help ensure patients can continue receiving care from the physicians and providers they know and trust. To avoid disruption, action must be taken prior to March 31.
“It’s core to our Mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients,” says Heather Rowenhorst, SVP and Chief Financial Officer, Asante. “This decision reflects our commitment to our communities to ensure the sustainability of Asante and health care in southern Oregon. With the current and impending economic headwinds health care organizations are facing today, we cannot sustain the continued lack of payment.”
Rowenhorst continues, “This is a regrettable circumstance that ATRIO has caused for its members in southern Oregon. The refusal by ATRIO to pay its bills has forced this decision. The problem and the solution have fallen squarely with ATRIO to resolve.”
Asante remains committed to providing resources and support for any community members who wish to continue seeking care within the health system and provided correspondence to all patients identified as ATRIO Health Plans members, detailing their individual options.
For ATRIO members who wish to continue receiving services at Asante, open enrollment for alternative Medicare Advantage plans remains open through March 31. Asante billing and customer service teams are available to assist patients with any questions or concerns by calling (541) 789-7382.
Asante will continue providing patients with services that are at high-risk for disruption and access, including those undergoing cancer care and receiving behavioral health services. ATRIO members can also continue accessing emergency services at Asante.
Asante will continue advocating for patients in southern Oregon and will continue petitioning both Oregon Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to take action on this matter. Community members can also file complaints directly:
- DFR: https://sbs.naic.org/solar-web/pages/public/onlineComplaintForm/onlineComplaintForm.jsf?state=or&dswid=-9306
- CMS: https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/submit-a-complaint/get-started
- Letter template: www.asante.org/ATRIO
Additional information regarding Asante’s relationship with ATRIO is available to the public through the legal complaint filed against ATRIO in Jackson County, as Case No. 25CV55891.
