UnitedHealthcare (UHC), one of the nation’s largest health insurers, offers many affordable plans to Pennsylvania residents. Comprehensive, catastrophic plans, and HSAs can be purchased for one person, families, or a business. Enrolling and signing up for a policy is easy. Deciding the most suitable coverage requires some assistance, and that’s where our free advice will help.
You can utilize the resources on our website without any help or we can explain the differences in the UHC options and why a particular policy might be the best choice. We also help determine if you are eligible for a federal tax credit subsidy through the State Exchange. It is possible that part (or most) of your premium could be paid if you meet specific income requirements (Federal Poverty Level).
Previously-Available Individual And Family Marketplace And Off-Marketplace Plans
Bronze Compass HSA 4900 – Most affordable Exchange policy features a $4,900 deductible with $6,450 maximum out-of-pocket expenses. Since the plan is HSA-eligible, if you change from another carrier, you can keep your existing savings account. The Compass network does require you to select a primary-care physician (pcp).
Bronze Compass 5500 – Although this options costs about 8% more than the previous plan, office visits (primary and specialist) only have copays to meet. For families with multiple small children, the slightly higher premium is very cost-effective. However, the deductible is slightly higher and HSA side accounts can not be used in conjunction with this option.
Silver Compass 5000 – Eligible for “cost-sharing” so deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses can drastically reduce (depending on household income level). Low $20 and $40 copays on pcp and specialist office visits. Deductible is $5,000, but waived for most prescriptions.
Silver Compass HSA 1600 – HSA-eligible plan with a low $1,600 deductible. $6,450 is the maximum out-of-pocket maximum. This plan is popular and very ideal for households with no existing conditions that can utilize a federal tax break.
Gold Compass 500 – Similar to Compass 5000 plan but with a $500 deductible. One of the most comprehensive but expensive UHC plans in Pennsylvania.
Pre-Affordable Care Act Plans (Currently Grandfathered)
Pa Catastrophic Plans (No Longer Available For Purchase)
The “Saver 80” plan was UHC’s private catastrophic plan. Monthly premiums were lower than most other options. A lifetime unlimited benefit provided coverage for major medical claims. The policy was ideal for those persons interested in covering only inpatient/outpatient hospital and ER claims. A prescription discount card was also included that provided small reductions.
Most hospitals still accept a reduced settlement on a big claim. Some of the larger hospitals in the state include University Of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann University Hospital, Presbyterian Medical Center, Thomas Jefferson, UPMC University Of Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley and Lancaster General. Always notify the hospital that you would like the network negotiated pricing and not the retail pricing.
Any qualified preventative benefit had no waiting period and no out of pocket expense, and those features are still provided on new plans. For persons without coverage, The Saver 80 was a great starting point and a popular low-cost policy. The most cost-effective deductible was $5,000 or $2,500 although higher deductibles could have been selected. A “Saver 70” option was also offered at a lower cost. But, there was a 30% coinsurance.
Pa Comprehensive Plans (No Longer Available For Purchase)
The “Copay Select” and “Copay Saver” plans were UHC’s most comprehensive plans. Both plans included catastrophic and preventative coverages. The “Copay Select” plan offered unlimited office visit coverage with prescription coverage. The “Copay Saver” plan was less expensive, since only three office visits and generic prescriptions were covered. But the savings was often substantial, especially if coupled with a higher deductible. If you wanted coverage that was easy on your budget, the “Saver” was your best choice.
Pa Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) (No Longer Available For Purchase)
The “HSA 100” plan was the most comprehensive Health Savings Account. After one (not two or more!) family deductible, covered expenses were paid at 100%. Preventative coverage was not subject to the deductible. Rates were generally quite competitive, especially in Western Pennsylvania. In the Eastern part of the state, rates were also very attractive, although Keystone was often a better choice.
List Of Pa UHC Compass “In-Network” Hospitals
Although just a partial list, shown below are some of the major hospitals that provide negotiated network discounts for treatment inside the state:
Ohio Valley General
Frankford
Albert Einstein Medical Center
Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia
Doylestown
Kindred
Lehigh Valley
Somerset
Westmoreland Regional
Children’s Hospital Of Pittsburgh
Magee Women’s
UPMC
UnitedHealthcare Senior Plans In Pennsylvania
Depending which part of the state you reside, there are approximately 10-15 available plans. For persons that have reached age 65 and are eligible for Medicare, the four types of coverage are Supplement, Advantage, Prescription, and Special Needs.
Supplement options are the most popular, as there are seven policies offered in most areas of the state. “Advantage” contracts are issued by private insurers that hold contractual agreements with Medicare to provide parts A and B benefits. Drug coverage usually is included. The AARP plan shown below is one of the most affordable and popular UHC Senior plans.
AARP MedicareComplete Choice PPO Advantage Plan Details
– Low $45 per month rate
– No annual deductible
– 100% preventative care benefits
– $15 copay for pcp (Primary Care Physician) visits
– $45 copay for specialists
– $16 copay for x-rays and $19 copay for lab tests
– $30-$40 copay for Urgent Care visits
– $2 copay for Tier-1 preferred generic drugs and $13 copay for Tier-2 generic drugs (No copay for preferred mail-order)
– $44 copay for Tier-3 preferred brand drugs and $95 copay for Tier-4 non-preferred brand drugs
– Hearing exam included $15 copay) with hearing aid cost reduction
– SilverSneakers membership – No annual deductible
Review
UnitedHealthcare plans will not always be your best option. But we’ll always recommend the best plan that fits your particular situation. And whether it’s Highmark, Aetna or any other carrier, we’ll do the shopping for you, so you receive the lowest prices offered.
Most policies can also be paid on a monthly basis. Also,keep in mind that UHC markets their policies under the brand name “Golden Rule.”
PRIOR UPDATES:
A few changes. Most UnitedHealthcare plans now offer preventive coverage that is not subject to a deductible or waiting period. Lifetime maximum caps have been removed although $3 million would be enough for the vast majority of Pennsylvania residents.
UHC’s rates remain attractive. The “Saver 80” plan is now best used with deductibles of $2,500 or more.
No major change in plan designs. Temporary plans (designed for keeping less than 12 months) are their most competitive option. The Phillies? Oh…you don’t want to know!
The 30-day waiting period for coverage has been removed. Also, short-term policies are now almost always approved within 24 hours. So if you need to get covered quickly, this form of coverage is a great choice.
It appears that UHC will not participate in the State Exchange. Existing grandfathered plans can continue. If your existing plan is not renewable (you will be notified), please contact us so we can arrange for the best substitute coverage.
The Open Enrollment period begins in about five weeks. Although new rates have not been formally released (by any carrier), it is expected that most plan premiums will be higher. Changing from one policy (and/or company) is allowed, although re-calculation of your subsidy is encouraged.
