UnitedHealthcare is Waiving Cost-sharing for COVID-19; Continuing to Expand Access to Telehealth
UnitedHealthcare is waiving member cost-sharing for the treatment of COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. This policy applies to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. This announcement builds on our previously announced efforts to expand access to care and improve affordability, including waiving of cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and testing-related office visits and the expansion of other member services. More information is available here: https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/covid-19
Cost Sharing and Telehealth Services for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
During this time, your health and that of our members remain our top priority. That’s why UnitedHealthcare wants to ensure you have the most up-to-date information to assist members enrolled in an AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare® Insurance Company with any questions.
What’s New?
AARP Medicare Supplement Plans will cover all cost-sharing, including Medicare Part B excess charges, for Medicare-eligible expenses for services related to COVID-19 treatment based on a confirmed positive diagnosis from February 4, 2020, until May 31, 2020.
This builds on the previously announced efforts by Medicare to waive cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and testing-related visits and Medicare’s temporarily expanded definition of telehealth.
In addition, from March 31, 2020, until June 18, 2020, AARP Medicare Supplement Plans will cover all cost-sharing, including Medicare Part B excess charges, for Medicare-eligible COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 telehealth visits.
Premium Payments
UnitedHealthcare understands that certain enrolled members may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 situation and may be unable to make premium payments by the due date. There is currently a two-month period that allows insured members to make a payment. For those enrolled members who were in danger of cancellation due to non-payment of premium in March and/or April, coverage was not terminated. At this time, UnitedHealthcare is allowing an additional month for payments to be made. Although there is additional time to make premium payments, there is only a 31-day period during which claims will continue to be paid while the member’s account is past due.
UnitedHealthcare will continue to assess the situation. We will also abide by any state-specific guidelines regarding premium due.
UnitedHealth Group Provides over $1.5 Billion of Additional Support in Response to COVID-19 Challenges
Today, UnitedHealth Group announced that we are taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers.
Actions we announced today include
For people served by UnitedHealthcare under Medicare Advantage plans, all specialist and primary care physician cost sharing will be waived at least through the end of September.
For people served by UnitedHealthcare AARP ® Medicare Supplement policies, we will provide both new and renewal premium price stability and support.
For people served by UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans, the company is accelerating funds to state partners and critical care providers to serve more people and expanding its Housing+Health and homeless support programs, providing shelf stable food and baby formula.
These measures build upon our ongoing efforts to address COVID-19 challenges by expanding coverage, supporting the health care system, protecting the health care work force and assisting those most affected by the pandemic.
Waiving Cost Share for Medicare Advantage Members for Both Primary Care and Specialist Office Visits
Our member’s health is our priority. Recently, we shared news that UnitedHealth Group is taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers. We wanted to share more details with you.
To help member’s get the care they need, we are waiving cost-share (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for our Medicare Advantage plan members as follows. Members will have a $0 copay for primary care provider (PCP) and specialist physician services, as well as other covered services (listed below) between May 11, 2020 until at least September 30, 2020. By lowering our PCP and specialist copays to $0, along with our telehealth cost-share waiver, we hope to help make it easier for member’s to access care.
Services included
The following services, if covered by a member’s plan, are eligible for a $0 copay under the cost share waiver, but do not include diagnostic tests and certain other services.
Primary care provider (PCP) office visits
Specialist physician office visits
Physician assistant or nurse practitioner office visits
Medicare-covered chiropractic and acupuncture services
Podiatry services and routine eye and hearing exams
Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse visits
Opioid treatment services
The $0 copay applies to services from a network provider and out-of-network services covered by the plan.
Member cost share is not waived for the following services, unless they are related to COVID-19 testing or treatments:
Lab and Diagnostic tests (radiological and non-radiological)
Part B and Part D drugs
Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies
Renal Dialysis
Other services not covered by your plan
Copays, Coinsurance and deductibles for services in the following settings are not waived. Members will be responsible for their share of the cost under their benefit:
Inpatient hospital and Outpatient surgery or observation services
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Emergency, Urgent and Ambulance services
Eligible Members
The cost-share waiver applies to all UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members, including members of Special Needs Plans (SNP) and UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plans.
This information is posted on our UnitedHealthcare COVID-19 Health and Wellness page for members. Thank you for being a partner in care to our members during this time.
Nationwide Special Election Period Available for Applicable Individuals Affected by COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that the Special Election Period (SEP) for Individuals Affected by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Declared Weather-Related Emergency or Other Major Disaster is applicable to individuals affected by COVID-19 who meet the criteria outlined below. With this announcement, Medicare Advantage and Part D beneficiaries affected by COVID-19 nationwide may be eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP). No advertising, treated like OEP
SEP Time Period
March 1, 2020 with an SEP running through June 30, 2020.
SEP Start Date: 3/1/2020
SEP End Date: 6/30/2020
This SEP is available nationwide to residents of all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Who is eligible?
1. Any beneficiary who resides in, or resided in (at the start of the SEP time period), an area that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared an emergency or major disaster (see http://www.fema.gov/disasters) is eligible to apply for individual or public level assistance. Beneficiaries who do not live in the impacted areas but receive assistance making healthcare decisions from someone who lives in one of the affected areas are also eligible; and
2. The beneficiary had another valid election period at the time of the incident period, but did not make an election during that other valid election period.
What does this mean for beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries who were eligible for a different election period, but were unable to enroll in a plan during the allotted time period, have until June 30, 2020, to enroll. Enrollments received are effective the first day of the following month.
Agent action
If a consumer contacts you as a result of this SEP, you may help them enroll in one of our plans and earn a commission. You must:
1. Ask the beneficiary for proof that the beneficiary resided in an affected area (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill reflecting the beneficiary’s address).
2. If the beneficiary is unable to provide proof, ask the beneficiary if they attest that they lived/live in an area impacted by the weather-related emergencies.
3. Once you verify eligibility, you can proceed with the application.
4. Application details:
a. For paper, use the SEP election type code on the application. Write in Weather Related Emergency.
b. For LEAN, please select the FEMA Disaster reason code.
Waiving Cost Share for Medicare Advantage Members for Both Primary Care and Specialist Office Visits
Our member’s health is our priority. Recently, we shared news that UnitedHealth Group is taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers. We wanted to share more details with you.
To help members get the care they need, we are waiving cost-share (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for our Medicare Advantage plan members as follows. Members will have a $0 copay for primary care provider (PCP) and specialist physician services, as well as other covered services (listed below) between May 11, 2020 until at least September 30, 2020. By lowering our PCP and specialist copays to $0, along with our telehealth cost-share waiver, we hope to help make it easier for member’s to access care.
UnitedHealthcare is Waiving Cost-sharing for COVID-19; Continuing to Expand Access to Telehealth
UnitedHealthcare is waiving member cost-sharing for the treatment of COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. This policy applies to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. This announcement builds on our previously announced efforts to expand access to care and improve affordability, including waiving of cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and testing-related office visits and the expansion of other member services. More information is available here:
https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/covid-19
Cost Sharing and Telehealth Services for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
During this time, your health and that of our members remain our top priority. That’s why UnitedHealthcare wants to ensure you have the most up-to-date information to assist members enrolled in an AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare® Insurance Company with any questions.
What’s New?
AARP Medicare Supplement Plans will cover all cost-sharing, including Medicare Part B excess charges, for Medicare-eligible expenses for services related to COVID-19 treatment based on a confirmed positive diagnosis from February 4, 2020, until May 31, 2020.
This builds on the previously announced efforts by Medicare to waive cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and testing-related visits and Medicare’s temporarily expanded definition of telehealth.
In addition, from March 31, 2020, until June 18, 2020, AARP Medicare Supplement Plans will cover all cost-sharing, including Medicare Part B excess charges, for Medicare-eligible COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 telehealth visits.
Premium Payments
UnitedHealthcare understands that certain enrolled members may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 situation and may be unable to make premium payments by the due date. There is currently a two-month period that allows insured members to make a payment. For those enrolled members who were in danger of cancellation due to non-payment of premium in March and/or April, coverage was not terminated. At this time, UnitedHealthcare is allowing an additional month for payments to be made. Although there is additional time to make premium payments, there is only a 31-day period during which claims will continue to be paid while the member’s account is past due.
UnitedHealthcare will continue to assess the situation. We will also abide by any state-specific guidelines regarding premium due.
UnitedHealth Group Provides over $1.5 Billion of Additional Support in Response to COVID-19 Challenges
Today, UnitedHealth Group announced that we are taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers.
Actions we announced today include
For people served by UnitedHealthcare under Medicare Advantage plans, all specialist and primary care physician cost sharing will be waived at least through the end of September.
For people served by UnitedHealthcare AARP ® Medicare Supplement policies, we will provide both new and renewal premium price stability and support.
For people served by UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans, the company is accelerating funds to state partners and critical care providers to serve more people and expanding its Housing+Health and homeless support programs, providing shelf stable food and baby formula.
These measures build upon our ongoing efforts to address COVID-19 challenges by expanding coverage, supporting the health care system, protecting the health care work force and assisting those most affected by the pandemic.
Waiving Cost Share for Medicare Advantage Members for Both Primary Care and Specialist Office Visits
Our member’s health is our priority. Recently, we shared news that UnitedHealth Group is taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers. We wanted to share more details with you.
To help member’s get the care they need, we are waiving cost-share (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for our Medicare Advantage plan members as follows. Members will have a $0 copay for primary care provider (PCP) and specialist physician services, as well as other covered services (listed below) between May 11, 2020 until at least September 30, 2020. By lowering our PCP and specialist copays to $0, along with our telehealth cost-share waiver, we hope to help make it easier for member’s to access care.
Services included
The following services, if covered by a member’s plan, are eligible for a $0 copay under the cost share waiver, but do not include diagnostic tests and certain other services.
Primary care provider (PCP) office visits
Specialist physician office visits
Physician assistant or nurse practitioner office visits
Medicare-covered chiropractic and acupuncture services
Podiatry services and routine eye and hearing exams
Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services
Outpatient mental health and substance abuse visits
Opioid treatment services
The $0 copay applies to services from a network provider and out-of-network services covered by the plan.
Member cost share is not waived for the following services, unless they are related to COVID-19 testing or treatments:
Lab and Diagnostic tests (radiological and non-radiological)
Part B and Part D drugs
Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies
Renal Dialysis
Other services not covered by your plan
Copays, Coinsurance and deductibles for services in the following settings are not waived. Members will be responsible for their share of the cost under their benefit:
Inpatient hospital and Outpatient surgery or observation services
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Emergency, Urgent and Ambulance services
Eligible Members
The cost-share waiver applies to all UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members, including members of Special Needs Plans (SNP) and UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plans.
This information is posted on our UnitedHealthcare COVID-19 Health and Wellness page for members. Thank you for being a partner in care to our members during this time.
Nationwide Special Election Period Available for Applicable Individuals Affected by COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that the Special Election Period (SEP) for Individuals Affected by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Declared Weather-Related Emergency or Other Major Disaster is applicable to individuals affected by COVID-19 who meet the criteria outlined below. With this announcement, Medicare Advantage and Part D beneficiaries affected by COVID-19 nationwide may be eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP). No advertising, treated like OEP
SEP Time Period
March 1, 2020 with an SEP running through June 30, 2020.
SEP Start Date: 3/1/2020
SEP End Date: 6/30/2020
This SEP is available nationwide to residents of all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Who is eligible?
1. Any beneficiary who resides in, or resided in (at the start of the SEP time period), an area that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared an emergency or major disaster (see http://www.fema.gov/disasters) is eligible to apply for individual or public level assistance. Beneficiaries who do not live in the impacted areas but receive assistance making healthcare decisions from someone who lives in one of the affected areas are also eligible; and
2. The beneficiary had another valid election period at the time of the incident period, but did not make an election during that other valid election period.
What does this mean for beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries who were eligible for a different election period, but were unable to enroll in a plan during the allotted time period, have until June 30, 2020, to enroll. Enrollments received are effective the first day of the following month.
Agent action
If a consumer contacts you as a result of this SEP, you may help them enroll in one of our plans and earn a commission. You must:
1. Ask the beneficiary for proof that the beneficiary resided in an affected area (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill reflecting the beneficiary’s address).
2. If the beneficiary is unable to provide proof, ask the beneficiary if they attest that they lived/live in an area impacted by the weather-related emergencies.
3. Once you verify eligibility, you can proceed with the application.
4. Application details:
a. For paper, use the SEP election type code on the application. Write in Weather Related Emergency.
b. For LEAN, please select the FEMA Disaster reason code.
Waiving Cost Share for Medicare Advantage Members for Both Primary Care and Specialist Office Visits
Our member’s health is our priority. Recently, we shared news that UnitedHealth Group is taking additional action to directly support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing over $1.5 billion of additional support for our customers. We wanted to share more details with you.
To help members get the care they need, we are waiving cost-share (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for our Medicare Advantage plan members as follows. Members will have a $0 copay for primary care provider (PCP) and specialist physician services, as well as other covered services (listed below) between May 11, 2020 until at least September 30, 2020. By lowering our PCP and specialist copays to $0, along with our telehealth cost-share waiver, we hope to help make it easier for member’s to access care.