Exploring the Possible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantages in California for 2026
UnitedHealthcare, a trusted name in the insurance sector, whose plans could offer:
- Enriched member experience
- Possible benefits that could enhance the value proposition for beneficiaries
- Potential coverage for preventive care screenings and annual physical exams that may come at no additional cost when using in-network providers
Keeping abreast of the annual changes is crucial. Since 2023, UnitedHealthcare has been updating its Medicare Advantage offerings in California. There have been reductions in certain service areas, and some plans may have been discontinued on January 1, 2026. However, we do not know which plans will be discontinued because the plans for 2o25 have not been released yet. Make sure to keep checking back to this website for updated information regarding the 2026 calendar year.
On the bright side, some updates may be made to potentially include Dual Complete Special Needs Plans and some additional Medicare Prescription Drug Plan options.
These changes will likely be in line with the broader trend of expanding coverage to more counties in California and potentially expanding the UnitedHealthcare Medicare national network, which could improve the member experience.
Possible Key Benefits of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans
Some of UnitedHealthcare’s standard Medicare Advantage plans may stand out from the crowd, as these plans will likely offer a comprehensive suite of potential benefits that could go beyond Original Medicare.
Some of these plans, as per the UnitedHealthcare Medicare contract, may provide additional features that could include prescription drug coverage and routine vision, hearing, dental, and fitness benefits, potentially enhancing the value proposition for beneficiaries.
Prescription Drug Coverage
An important feature of some of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans in California is the possibility of including the Part D prescription drug benefit.
The drug list, often referred to as the formulary, provides detailed information about the covered drugs. For a better understanding of your pharmacy coverage, please refer to the Prescription Drug List (PDL), which may enumerate commonly used medications which could be offered by UnitedHealthcare and its affiliated companies.
Moreover, UnitedHealthcare will likely offer tiered prescription drug coverage, which could categorize medications into various tiers with differing costs, and may provide more affordable options for lower-tier drugs.
Virtual Visits and Telehealth Services
In these digital times, healthcare has also made a significant shift towards online platforms. Some UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plans may offer virtual visits, which could include 24/7 Virtual Visits, Virtual Primary Care, and Virtual therapy.
These services may provide a variety of treatments and could potentially have the capability to prescribe medication. To initiate a virtual visit, members simply need to fill out a brief medical history at myuhc.com/virtualvisits or participate in Virtual Primary Care visits.
While these services may enhance healthcare accessibility, be mindful of potential coverage limitations and exclusions. Make sure to review the specific provisions of your benefit plan regarding telehealth services.
Possible Dental, Vision, and Hearing Inclusions
Healthy eyes, ears, and teeth are crucial for overall well-being. Understanding this, some of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in California may provide dental coverage for preventive and routine dental services, along with potential options for basic dental care and major dental procedures such as dental implants.
Similarly, some of the plans may offer provisions for routine eye exams and could allocate for prescription glasses or contact lenses. For your auditory health, coverage will likely be provided for hearing aids from a UnitedHealthcare Hearing network provider, along with screening and audiologist services, which may be provided if the Medicare coverage criteria are satisfied.
Bear in mind that there might be constraints, such as the frequency of dental cleanings or extractions, as well as the availability of specific levels of eyewear and hearing aids.
