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Our Verdict
UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans with a wide range of benefits, often with $0 premiums, copays and deductibles. Its plans tend to suit people looking for extensive coverage flexibility, a wide array of plan options and low monthly premiums.
Key Features
- $0 premiums, copays and deductibles available for some plans
- Vision, dental and hearing care included in some plans’ benefits
- Access to a nationwide provider network of 1.3 million health care professionals
- Offers plans in 49 states
- Compare affordable plans online
- Additional benefits can include dental, vision and hearing
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. TTY 711, Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm EST
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Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, UnitedHealthcare is the largest health care insurance company in the U.S.
In addition to Medicare Advantage plans, UnitedHealthcare offers a number of other insurance products, such as Medicare Supplement plans, Medicaid benefits, individual health insurance plans, short-term health insurance policies, small business health insurance plans and standalone dental coverage. Through its various plans, UnitedHealthcare serves nearly 30% of all people in the Medicare program and is the country’s largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans at a Glance
- Plan options: Medicare Advantage customers can choose from health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, preferred provider organization (PPO) plans and SNPs.
- Provider network: UnitedHealthcare’s extensive nationwide network consists of 1.3 million health care providers and 6,700 hospitals and care facilities.
- Average monthly premium: Approximately 6.5 million Medicare Advantage members pay $0 in premiums, per a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson.
How UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans Work
UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans—many in partnership with AARP—that in total serve approximately 9 million people. Even though UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage plans in partnership with AARP, an individual doesn’t have to be an AARP member to enroll. Additionally, plan availability varies by state and some plans come with maximum out-of-pocket costs that can be higher than those one might find elsewhere.
UnitedHealthcare plans include:
- Medicare Advantage HMO plans. These plans typically come with low copays, premiums and coinsurance, as well as the flexibility to use any in-network UnitedHealthcare provider.
- Medicare Advantage PPO. These plans have lower out-of-pocket costs when the beneficiary visits in-network providers but gives them the flexibility to use any provider who accepts their health insurance (for a higher cost).
- Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNPs). This plan type may be an option if a person is enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, a resident of a long-term care facility or has a chronic condition like dementia, diabetes, heart failure, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or HIV/AIDS.
Depending on which plan a person chooses, they can expect a variety of additional benefits beyond standard coverage, including:
- Prescription drug coverage. UnitedHealthcare can offer $0 copays and deductibles on Tier 1 and Tier 2 prescription drugs. Plus, it has a large network of both national and local pharmacies.
- Dental, vision and hearing care. UnitedHealthcare can provide preventative dental care, free annual eye exams, frames and contact lenses, and a free annual hearing exam, with special deals on hearing aids—all often with $0 copays.
- Credits for over-the-counter products. These credits help pay for over-the-counter products like vitamins and pain relievers.
- Fitness perks. Some plans include a free gym membership, a personalized fitness plan, access to thousands of online workout videos and invitations to local wellness events and classes.
- Telehealth access. Utilize virtual medical care from the comfort of home with a $0 copay.
- HouseCalls. Beneficiaries receive an annual home visit from a licensed clinician who coordinates care and offers testing for chronic conditions like diabetes and hepatitis C.
- Navigate4Me. This benefit is designed for Medicare Advantage holders with complex health needs. Qualifying customers can work with a single point of contact to coordinate care, get help with claims and more.
- Chat with a licensed insurance agent today
- Helps you find the right Medicare coverage from a wide variety of plan options
- Compare plans online
- Plan options from Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, and more
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. TTY 711, Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm EST
The Cost of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans
A number of factors determine the price of a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. A beneficiary’s current health status affects the cost, as well as their location (not all plans are available in every location). It’s also important to consider one’s frequency of doctor visits and prescription medication needs, as the plan they choose affects out-of-pocket expenses.
To find a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan that best suits specific medical needs and budget requirements, enter the potential beneficiary’s ZIP code on the provider’s website to view available plans in their area.
Below is a range of prices for plans offered in ZIP code 44236 outside Cleveland, Ohio.
What Experts Say
“I think UnitedHealthcare is a great company,” says Jennifer Croslin, independent insurance broker and founder of Starlight Insurance Agency LLC in Littleton, Colorado. “With UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, you can choose different coverage options to best suit your needs and get the most out of your health care.”
While UnitedHealthcare has scores of poor reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau website, the company received an “A” rating from A.M. Best for its Medicare Advantage plans in 2023. UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans also have a current aggregate star rating of 4.06 out of 5 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Meanwhile, the company’s Medicare Advantage plans in Florida specifically were ranked second by J.D. Power in “overall satisfaction” among all providers for 2023.
Confused About Medicare Advantage Insurance Options?
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On Medicare Enrollment's Website
HealthCompare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently it represents 18 organizations, which offers 52,101 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
HealthCompare Insurance Services represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans that are contracted with Medicare. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal.
