Despite having an average member experience rating, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are accessible and have the biggest Medicare Advantage provider network. Additionally, the organization collaborates with AARP, which insures Medicare items. Although the majority of UnitedHealthcare’s members (67%) have highly rated plans, its star ratings are lower than the industry average.
Furthermore, UHC is among the top suppliers for member experience. It also provides a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, with $0 in premiums, copays, or deductibles. Its policies typically appeal to those seeking affordable monthly rates, a large range of plan alternatives, and substantial coverage flexibility.
How does UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage work
In collaboration with AARP, UnitedHealthcare provides a range of Medicare Advantage plans that together cover almost 9 million beneficiaries. You don’t have to be an AARP member to enroll in one of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered in collaboration with the organization. Moreover, states also differ in the availability of plans, and some plans have maximum expenses that may be higher than those found elsewhere.
Types of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
There are four major types of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. Although the rules and benefits of each plan vary, they are all required to provide the same standard services as the original Medicare policies. They include;
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Similar to most HMO plans, an individual must select a primary care physician to handle their basic healthcare needs. An expert will typically need a referral, but certain services don’t require one, like yearly screening mammograms. Additionally, an individual can get in touch with their plan provider directly to verify coverage, as some treatments can also require prior permission.
In addition to offering the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B, UHC HMOs may also provide other benefits like oral health, wellness, hearing, and vision. Renew Active is a health and wellness benefit that includes online mental agility training, group exercise sessions, and gym memberships.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Since PPO plans often do not require a patient to select a primary care physician and do not require a referral to a specialist, prices may differ. Although there is a network of healthcare providers for the plans, members are free to see any provider they like. The chosen treatment or service will often cost extra if it is not covered by the plan’s network.
Moreover, prescription medication coverage is a feature of most PPO policies. However, a person cannot have a PPO and prescription medication plan at the same time if this benefit is excluded. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for someone to make sure their PPO plan has prescription coverage if they think it might be helpful.
Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
The amount that PFFS plan providers will pay healthcare providers is determined by them, as is the amount that the patient must pay out-of-pocket. A person can visit any healthcare provider who agrees to the policy’s provisions under UHC PFFS plans, as there is no network of providers.
However, patients don’t need to select a primary care physician, and referrals are usually not required to see a specialist. Furthermore, prescription drug coverage is not included in the PFFS plan, but PDPs are still available for purchase if desired.
Special Needs Plans (SNP)
Three different types of special needs plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare. This includes
- Plans that are dual-eligible for people who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.
- Institutional plans supervise and organize the care of residents at assisted living homes.
- Plans for chronic diseases are made specifically for people with certain medical issues.
Prescription drug coverage is a requirement of Medicare for all SNP plans. Additionally, the majority of policies require the management of healthcare requirements by a care coordinator or primary care physician. To consult a specialist, unless it’s for an annual preventative screening, a person needs a recommendation. A person may apply for an SNP if they are a resident of the plan’s service area and have Medicare Parts A and B.
Benefits of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
The majority of plan participants in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage have access to hearing aids and dental treatment, including the largest Medicare Advantage dental network. Other advantages are also included in a lot of its plans. Here are some notable examples:
Coverage for Prescription Drugs
For prescription medications in Tiers 1 and 2, UnitedHealthcare can offer $0 copays and deductibles. It also boasts a vast network of regional and national pharmacies.
Dental, Ocular, and Auditory Services
Preventive dental treatment, free annual eye exams, free frames and contact lenses, free annual hearing screenings, and exclusive offers on hearing aids are all provided by UnitedHealthcare, frequently with no copays.
Benefits of Fitness
A free gym membership, a customized fitness program, access to hundreds of online training videos, and invites to nearby health events and classes are just a few of the benefits offered by these plans.
Home Calls
A licensed clinician who specializes in care coordination and provides testing for chronic illnesses such as hepatitis C and diabetes visits beneficiaries at home once a year.
Go4Me
For Medicare Advantage participants with complex medical needs, this benefit is intended. Customers who meet the requirements can coordinate care, get assistance with claims, and more by working with a single point of contact.
Access to Telehealth and Refunds
Painkillers and vitamins that are sold over the counter can be purchased with the aid of these credits. Moreover, access virtual medical care in the comfort of your own home at no cost.
How Much Does UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Cost
The type of plan and the coverage it offers are only two of the many variables that might affect the cost of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. Here are some important things to think about:
Premiums
The plan’s premium is one of the expenses to take into account; as of 2024, 69% of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium. You will still be required to pay your Medicare Part B payment, which will cost at least $174.70 per month, even if you use Medicare Advantage.
Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Copays
Depending on your plan, your location, and the services you use, different requirements apply for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Other expenses that need to be taken into account are:
- Whether your monthly Medicare Part B premium is partially or fully covered by the plan.
- The annual deductibles of the plan as well as additional deductibles, including the medication deductible.
- For every visit or service, there are copayments and/or coinsurance. For example, you might have to pay $10 to see your primary care physician and $45 to see a specialist.
- The plan’s maximum out-of-pocket and in-network expenses.
- How you might need to receive care outside of your network, and whether your medical providers are in or out of it.
- If you need additional benefits and if there are any costs associated with the plan.
You can use Medicare’s plan-finding tool to compare details of local plans that are available to obtain an idea of pricing. To view just UnitedHealthcare plans, you can choose an insurance company, or you can compare plans from other providers. Moreover, by inputting your ZIP code, you can shop directly from the UnitedHealthcare website and compare the various options.
Major Benefits of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage offers aid to consumer wellness and health while maintaining dependable connections with healthcare professionals. In the US, it has direct contracts with over 1.6 million doctors with healthcare professionals, 8,000 hospitals, and other facilities. This provides a whole range of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid recipients.