United Healthcare Medicare Advantage: Benefits, Coverage, and Costs

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans are a popular option for seniors looking for additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare offers. As one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States, United Healthcare offers a variety of plan options with different levels of coverage and cost.

Understanding United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans is important for seniors who want to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. These plans combine the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Some plans also offer prescription drug coverage, which can be a valuable addition for seniors who take multiple medications.

Key Takeaways:

• United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, including dental, vision, and hearing coverage.


• Plan options vary in terms of coverage and cost, so it's important to understand eligibility and enrollment options.


• Seniors looking to change or cancel their plan should be aware of the process and any potential limitations.

Understanding United Healthcare Medicare Advantage

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative to traditional Medicare coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide additional benefits beyond what is covered by original Medicare.

One of the main advantages of United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans is that they often include prescription drug coverage, which is not included in original Medicare. Additionally, many plans may offer benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as wellness programs and fitness memberships.

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans also have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, which can provide peace of mind for those concerned about high healthcare costs. Once this maximum is reached, the plan covers all additional costs for the remainder of the year.

It is important to note that United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans have specific provider networks, meaning that beneficiaries may be limited in their choice of healthcare providers. However, many plans may offer out-of-network coverage for certain services at a higher cost.

Overall, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits and cost savings for those who are eligible. It is important for beneficiaries to carefully review plan details and compare options before making a decision.

Benefits of United Healthcare Medicare Advantage

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer a wide range of benefits to its members. Here are some of the key benefits:

Comprehensive Coverage

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage that includes all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. These plans also cover prescription drugs, which is not covered by Original Medicare.

Prescription Drug Coverage

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage, also known as Medicare Part D. This coverage helps to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. The plan covers a wide range of prescription drugs, including many brand-name and generic drugs.

Wellness Programs

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of wellness programs to help its members stay healthy and active. These programs include gym memberships, fitness classes, and wellness coaching. Members can also receive discounts on alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Overall, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage, prescription drug coverage, and wellness programs to help its members stay healthy and save money.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, individuals must meet certain criteria. According to UnitedHealthcare, individuals must be at least 65 years old, or have a qualifying disability such as Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Additionally, individuals must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident for at least five consecutive years.

Enrollment Process

Enrolling in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan is a straightforward process. Individuals can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months prior to their 65th birthday and ends three months after their 65th birthday. Alternatively, individuals can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

To enroll, individuals can visit the UnitedHealthcare website and select the plan that best meets their needs. They can also enroll by calling UnitedHealthcare's customer service line or by working with a licensed insurance agent. Once enrolled, individuals will receive their plan materials and can begin using their benefits on the effective date of their plan.

It's important to note that there are certain circumstances in which individuals may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), such as if they move to a new area or experience a change in their health coverage. In these cases, individuals may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan outside of the IEP or AEP.

Cost and Payment Options

United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of cost and payment options for beneficiaries. Here are some important things to know about the costs associated with these plans.

Premiums and Deductibles

Most United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium. However, some plans may have a monthly premium, which can vary depending on the plan and the location of the beneficiary. To find out the exact cost of a plan, beneficiaries can use the plan cost estimator tool on the United Healthcare website.

In addition to monthly premiums, some plans may also have an annual deductible. The deductible is the amount that the beneficiary must pay out of pocket before the plan begins to cover costs. Once the deductible is met, the plan will cover a portion or all of the remaining costs for covered services.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Out-of-pocket costs for United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Copayments are a fixed amount that the beneficiary pays for a covered service. Coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost of a covered service that the beneficiary pays. Deductibles are the amount that the beneficiary must pay out of pocket before the plan begins to cover costs.

Most United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Once the beneficiary reaches this limit, the plan will cover all remaining costs for covered services for the rest of the year.

Beneficiaries can pay their monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket costs through a variety of payment options, including QuickPay, a one-time online payment option that does not require an account registration. Other payment options may include automatic bank drafts, credit card payments, or mailing a check.

Overall, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of cost and payment options for beneficiaries to choose from. By understanding these costs and payment options, beneficiaries can make informed decisions about which plan is right for them.

Plan Options

UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans to fit different needs and budgets. Here are some of the plan options available:

HMO Plans

HMO plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs and require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) within the plan's network. Members usually need a referral from their PCP to see a specialist. HMO plans may also offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

PPO Plans

PPO plans offer more flexibility than HMO plans. Members can see any doctor or specialist within the plan's network without a referral. They can also see out-of-network providers, but at a higher cost. PPO plans may also offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage and gym memberships.

Special Needs Plans

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are designed for people with specific health conditions or financial needs. SNPs may offer benefits like transportation to medical appointments, home-delivered meals, and care coordination. To enroll in an SNP, members must meet certain eligibility requirements.

Overall, UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of benefits and options to fit different needs and budgets. Members can compare plans and enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.

Coverage Limitations and Exclusions

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans have specific limitations and exclusions that beneficiaries should be aware of before enrolling. These limitations and exclusions can impact the coverage and benefits available to the beneficiary.

One important limitation to keep in mind is that all services rendered must be referred and authorized by the member's provider, unless specifically stated otherwise in the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or Summary of Benefits (SOB). This means that if a beneficiary seeks medical treatment without a referral or authorization from their provider, the service may not be covered by their plan.

Another limitation to keep in mind is that certain treatments and therapies may only be covered for specific conditions. For example, the use of electromagnetic therapy and electrical stimulation for the treatment of wounds are considered adjunctive therapies and will only be covered for chronic Stage III or Stage IV pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers.

In addition to limitations, there are also certain exclusions that beneficiaries should be aware of. For example, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans do not cover cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, or services that are not medically necessary. The plans also do not cover services that are covered by other insurance, such as worker's compensation or automobile insurance.

It is important for beneficiaries to review their plan's EOC and SOB to understand the specific limitations and exclusions that apply to their coverage. By understanding these limitations and exclusions, beneficiaries can make informed decisions about their healthcare and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

How to Change or Cancel Your Plan

If you are a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan member and you want to make changes to your plan, you have a few options. The most common reasons for changing or canceling a plan include dissatisfaction with the coverage, changes in health status, or moving to a new location.

Changing Your Plan

During the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or switch to a different Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D prescription drug plan. If you miss the AEP, you may be able to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.

Canceling Your Plan

If you are unhappy with your current coverage and want to cancel your Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to jump through some hoops. Leaving a Medicare Advantage plan can be difficult outside of an applicable enrollment period. If you want to switch back to Original Medicare, you have until March 31 to enroll in a prescription drug plan if you leave a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage and won't have prescription drug coverage with your new Medicare Advantage plan.

To cancel your plan, you can contact United Healthcare customer service or submit a written request. Keep in mind that canceling your plan may result in a gap in coverage, so it's important to have a new plan in place before canceling your current one.

In summary, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan members have options when it comes to changing or canceling their plans. The AEP and OEP are the primary enrollment periods for making changes, and canceling a plan may require additional steps. It's important to understand the rules and deadlines for making changes to your plan to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the largest Medicare Advantage plans?

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States. As of 2023, UnitedHealthcare offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO, PPO, and Special Needs plans.

What is the United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Provider Portal?

The UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal is an online portal that allows healthcare providers to access important information about their UnitedHealthcare patients. Providers can use the portal to check patient eligibility, view claims information, and submit claims electronically.

What is a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage PPO plan?

A UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage PPO plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that allows you to see any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare. With a PPO plan, you have the flexibility to see specialists without a referral, and you may also be able to see out-of-network providers for an additional cost.

What is the phone number for United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Provider?

The phone number for United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Provider is 1-800-905-8671. This number can be used to speak with a customer service representative about your United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan.

What are the AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans for 2023?

AARP UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans for 2023 offer a range of options to meet the needs of seniors. These plans include HMO, PPO, and Special Needs plans, and they may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

What are the best Medicare Advantage plans?

The best Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on your individual healthcare needs and budget. UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans, and it's important to compare the costs and benefits of each plan before making a decision. You can speak with a UnitedHealthcare representative or use their online tools to help you find the plan that's right for you.