BOWLING GREEN, KY — The region’s largest multi-specialty provider, Graves Gilbert Clinic (GGC), announced it will terminate participation in Humana’s Medicare Advantage and Medicaid networks effective Feb. 1, 2026, a move that could significantly impact thousands of local patients.
GGC serves tens of thousands of patients in South-Central Kentucky, and more than two-thirds of its patient base rely on government-supported insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Humana is one of the major insurers offering Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans in the region. When a provider exits an insurer’s network, patients using that insurer may face higher out-of-pocket costs, need to switch providers, or risk interruption of care.
GGC says the decision comes after months of negotiations with Humana over contract terms and administrative barriers that, from GGC’s viewpoint, were “hindering patient access to care.”
Humana, for its part, states it remains open to discussions and that its priority is to ensure access and affordable care for its members.
Patients with Humana Medicare Advantage or Humana Medicaid plans who receive care at GGC will need to check whether they must switch providers or consider other insurance arrangements.
Care continuity could be disrupted unless timely communication and alternatives are provided.
The situation reflects wider tensions in the U.S. healthcare system between providers and insurers over reimbursement rates, administrative burdens, and patient access.
“It is unfortunate that we are at this stage with Humana. We have made every effort to find common ground, but Humana has remained unresponsive to our needs and, more importantly, to the needs of patients and families in Southcentral Kentucky.” — Michael D’Eramo, CEO of GGC Health.
Local healthcare advocates say the move could exacerbate access issues especially for lower-income or elderly residents who rely heavily on Medicaid/Medicare coverage in the region.
This development places the spotlight on access to care for Medicare and Medicaid patients in the region. With GGC withdrawing from Humana’s networks, many residents in Bowling Green and surrounding counties face uncertainty: higher costs, needing to switch doctors, or potential disruption of care. For a community where continuity and affordability of healthcare matter deeply, this is one to watch—and act on now.