Accessibility and Service Commitments
UnitedHealthcare is fully committed to its members, providing additional support in times of disaster or emergencies, which may include waived gatekeeper referral requirements and reduced out-of-network cost-sharing.
Services like the Nurse Hotline are available for non-emergency queries. But remember, it’s not a substitute for a provider’s care and is intended for informational purposes only.
TTY 711 Availability
For those requiring assistance with UnitedHealthcare’s services, TTY or RTT users can dial 711. This service is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (00 pm local time), 7 days a week.
ADA Compliance
UnitedHealthcare ensures full and equal access to covered services by complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This commitment to diversity makes their services accessible to all.
Star Ratings and Quality Measures
The quality of a healthcare plan is vitally important. That’s where the Medicare Star Ratings system comes in. Provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), this system evaluates Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) every year.
These ratings are given on a scale of one to five stars, with five indicating excellent performance and one indicating poor performance.
Importance of Star Ratings
Medicare Star Ratings are a vital tool for beneficiaries, aiding them in:
- Comparing how different plans perform against the same set of criteria and measures
- Providing insights into how current members rate a plan
- Evaluating a plan’s performance in specific categories such as preventive care or customer service
- Finding high-rated plans.
Higher Star Ratings could indicate a stable program and experience and may serve as a useful factor when making final decisions between similar plans.
Locating Ratings for Specific Plans
Finding Medicare Star Ratings for specific plans is simple. These ratings will likely be located on the official Medicare website or by referring to UnitedHealthcare’s plan documents and marketing materials.
Our Plan Finder tool is designed to help users assess the Star Rating of specific plans, making it easier to compare quality measures like care quality, customer service, and member satisfaction. You can also contact a customer support agent from the UnitedHealthcare website.
How to Enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan
The process to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan is quite simple. Alabama residents can enroll in the following ways:
- By phone: Call 1-844-350-0776 (TTY user 711) Mon-Fri 8am-9pm ET to speak to a licensed insurance agent who will guide you through the enrollment process.
Enrollment Periods and Deadlines
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for joining a Medicare Advantage plan occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. However, keep in mind that enrollment in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans depends on the plan’s annual contract renewal with Medicare.
Assistance and Support
We offer enrollment assistance through our customer service phone line. For enrollment in Special Needs Plans, UnitedHealthcare provides the option to call a sales agent if online enrollment is unavailable.
Additionally, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) in Alabama offers free education and counseling on Medicare and related health insurance options.
Maximizing Your Plan Benefits
Members can take full advantage of their potential plan benefits through wise usage. For instance, rewards programs may be availed if your plan offers one.
However, always remember to understand the specific terms of service for these rewards. Certain benefits, such as those for food, over-the-counter items, and utilities expire as outlined in members’ Evidence of Coverage, making their timely use essential.
Keep in mind that while virtual visits offer convenience, they are not designed to handle emergencies.
Coordinating with Primary Care Physicians
A primary care provider (PCP) could be a valuable resource for guiding patients through their UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. PCP has built an in-depth knowledge of your health over time, monitoring subtle changes in health and recognizing early warning signs.
Establishing a relationship with a PCP, or primary care doctor, could potentially save money by reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and ensuring timely preventive screenings and tests.
Utilizing Preventive Services
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may cover preventive care which could include annual wellness exams, screenings, and immunizations, often at no additional cost to the member.
The annual wellness visit provided by Medicare is an opportunity to sit down with a primary care physician to develop a personalized health plan for the year.
Remember, preventive care is distinct from diagnostic care, which will likely focus on treating existing symptoms and risk factors.
