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United Health Care a total ripoff.*
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

NEW YORK -- Essentially, United Health Care is a fraud, starting with the bogus name they use on your membership card, "AARP Medicare Complete." They're not Medicare at all!! They are just "affiliated" with them so they can legally use their name, just as they do with AARP. It's all about marketing, NOT giving you great service. Their sales representative promised me that I would be able to use all my own physicians, which was a [bold face] LIE. You can only use those on their private list, and that's for only simple, cheap "health" procedures.

When I went to use them to cover a recent minor surgery, I was shocked to learn from my doctor that I had been turned down!! Why? Because when I had asked all of my current doctors if they would accept Medicare, they all agreed. One catch... none of them accepted United Health Care!!! Get it? they have nothing at all to do with "real" Medicare, only the right to use their name!!!

Here's how United Health Care rips you off.* One month before you turn 65, they FLOOD you with their advertising materials, all of which look "official." Then there fast talking phone reps make you believe that you're getting a "good deal." You THINK that you're being covered by Medicare, but you AREN'T. The additional fact that they also use the "AARP" logo in their ads gives you even more reason to believe that they're a "good deal," when the only thing they're good for are basic, cheap office visits.

Should you need even minor surgery like I did, if you doc isn't on their extremely limited list, your shit out of luck. The fact of the matter is, the phone representative totally lied to me when I asked him if I could use my own doctor. You can't. Thankfully, however, in two more months I'll be able to cancel my membership with this clip joint and sign-up with the only one I should have in the first place... original Medicare.

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So Very Disappointed
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

CALIFORNIA -- Prior to turning 65 I started to research providers to use when I would be eligible for Medicare. A friend forewarned me that getting an appointment would be a very frustrating experience - but I opted to go with United Healthcare - you know the Licensed Insurance Sales Agent seemed to assure me that I was getting what I was requesting. It's a shame. He really didn't care - he just wanted to make a sale - at least this is what I feel.

I agreed to the plan which included: medical group, vision, dental and fitness. The first time I go for a vision exam - well the vision insurance doesn't cover this or cover that, so I walked out. Then I was reviewing the dentists in the network - well I am very fearful of going to the dentist (aren't most of us) and I was sent a card for a dentist whom I didn't even pick; I'll stick with the dentist I am used to and pay out of pocket.

I need two dental extractions and the oral surgeon (whom I have to pay for) stated that anyone over 50 needs a physical examination by an MD. I thought ok I can do this so I telephone the medical group. Well the doctor that the Licensed Insurance Sales Agent recommended to me (as I wanted a female) she is now a Medical Director and basically she really is too busy to see patients. Wow - so I opt for a PA. The call center employees whom I have spoken to have been very accommodating but come to find out after five or six individuals a PA cannot sign off on a physical examination. So I want to get in to see an MD as I am worried about the temporary crown falling off and the other tooth which is exposed becoming abscessed. Well, currently the wait for "new patients" is 6-8 weeks out; really.

After all of that, I call for an advocate from United Healthcare and I get someone just to be informed that he couldn't help me and I had to go through Customer Service. DO NOT PICK UNITED HEALTHCARE - It seems to me all the Licensed Insurance Sales Agents care about is fattening their pocketbook. I am switching and just hope I don't become ill because of the two teeth which need extracted becoming infected or cause me more problems.

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Very Unhappy - UHC Insurance
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA -- First, let me start with the fact that the customer service group was always very friendly and understanding. This was not the problem. The problem is that I had shoulder surgery in June 2018. It is currently March of 2019 and I am still fighting with them to pay bills from June/July of last year. As a matter of fact, the anesthesiologist was just paid last week!! I have these bills hitting my credit report now. I get a different explanation from each person I speak with, as to why the bills haven't been paid yet. They always blame the provider. They also refuse to let me speak with their management.

The doctor was very clear with them before the surgery that more PT would be required than what my plan covers. They agreed. In the end, my approved PT visits ran out. We knew this would happen and the provider had to send in for prior authorization. I received an approval letter for 12 extra visits. I went to three of the visits. My provider then tells me the claims are being denied. I called UHC immediately. They said, "Oh we approved for you to go to more visits, but we never did not say that we would pay for them". I lost it.

I explained that I didn't need their approval to go anywhere! I only need their approval to pay the claim. It has been nonsense from day one. I am also a Type 1 diabetic. It is a constant fight to get the supplies that are required for me to live. I ended up having to pay for these visits out of pocket. I just feel that it is criminal! There are many people who have no idea how to fight these things and they just pay bills as they come in. If I had paid for what they said I should have, it would have been close to $10,000 after I had already met my out of pocket maximum of $4,000. How many people are paying for medical expenses that they shouldn't??? And why on earth should they be able to tell my doctor what he is allowed to prescribe???

I have been handling my own medical issues and insurance for more than 20 years. I am a T1D as I stated before. My son sees a couple of specialist as well. I have had several different group insurance plans with BCBS, UHC, Aetna, and Cigna. I have NEVER experienced such a complete mess in my life, as I have with UHC. According to my Orthopedist, they even cringe when they see that a patient has UHC coverage, if they need anything out of the scope of a standard visit. It is such a sad thing. Thank you for allowing me to vent.

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Terrible Resolution Of Medical Claims By United Health Care
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

ARIZONA -- Prior to retirement I was bombarded weekly by printed material by AARP advertising United Health Care. Since I knew I was moving from TX to AZ at the end of 2015 I signed up with UHC in October so I could start getting coverage from Jan 2016 when I started living in AZ. I contacted UHC and they gave me the name of a GP physician I could see. I saw that person for a diabetic checkup Jan 18, 2016 and was told they did not accept UHC insurance after UHC indicated he did. I incurred a bill of $247.

Month after month I contacted UHC trying to get them to pay the bill only to learn I had NO coverage since Jan 1 due to a mistake the person at UHC made when they completed my enrollment. It was after April before they recognized their error and made my coverage retroactive. In the meantime I settled with Honor Health Scottsdale for $197 and paid it myself given verbal assurances from UHC they would pay.

It is now July 10, 2017 and still no payment! In Nov 2017 my coverage was made retroactive to Jan 1, 2017 and I go back and forth with customer service. First I had to fill out a written claim and send it to one P.O. Box in Utah. I did that--no response. Then someone else at UHC said I had to sent it to a P.O. Box in CA. I did that too--no response and also no way to contact anyone by phone at their claims office. Then I was told I had to contact LifePrint since they paid out claims. I did that and they said, no, they don't do that and I had to contact UHC again. I did that and got a new case ID.

Then they said it was sent to the wrong group. I called again and they said it went to the correct medical group. Now I hear that they need more information. This is totally insane. The company is so big and nobody has the power to resolve claims quickly. After 18 months this has become almost laughable if it was not sad. AARP should drop UHC completely. I am 70 years old and do not know if I will outlive this claim at the rate things are going!

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United Healthcare's Questionable Business Practices
By -

MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA -- I just read an article that says, “Hospital executives rank United Healthcare as the worst insurance company in the United States.” (It is available here: www.allbusiness.com/health-care/health-care-facilities). This will come as no surprise to many members and providers alike. Like many others, I want to share my recent experience with United Health Care so that people can decide for themselves whether or not this is the kind of health insurance they feel they want to purchase for their families.

I am a neuropsychologist and was asked to see a UHC member for neuropsychological testing. I filled out all of the appropriate forms required by United Healthcare and received a telephone call authorizing me to test their member. They gave me a cap on the hours (13 hours total) and an authorization number. I provided the services as promised and then sent the appropriate claim to the United Healthcare offices.

When they sent me the check, there was a note on the Explanation of Benefits saying I had agreed to a discounted fee (an approximately 50% discount, mind you) through an organization called MultiPlan (If you haven't heard of them, you're in for a treat. They contract with insurance companies to try to persuade clinicians to agree to a reduced fee and they get paid a percentage of what they "save" the insurance company.) Needless to say, I do not and never will have an agreement with this company, as I do not support business practices such as this.

When I contacted United Healthcare to straighten this out, they told me I had to deal with MultiPlan. Multiplan never answers their phone (I wonder why) so I got nowhere until I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. This got the attention of **, a Consumer Affairs Advocate for UHC (1-800-842-2656). She researched this issue and came up with a fabulous solution!

She decided that United Healthcare had authorized this treatment in error and paid me in error AFTER I HAD RENDERED THE AUTHORIZED TREATMENT to their member. They then "recalculated" the claim form and decided that I actually owe THEM money! They have asked for the entire amount back ($966.68). They have a very fancy way of explaining their "logic" and have added that the original error was with their processor and they have arranged for her "to receive additional training or other intervention as appropriate."

With a second patient, they attempted to get me to accept a reduced fee through MultiPlan for another member and I declined. After that, they refused to pay me AT ALL for the services I provided to the other member while he was in the hospital. United Healthcare also authorized these services and the correct authorization number was submitted with the claims.

In both cases the services were requested by a physician and approved by United Healthcare. The services were rendered as authorized and the appropriate claims were filed. Unfortunately – and this really is the sad part – both of these claims will have to be paid in full by the members. These claims total thousands of dollars.

As I'm sure many of you know, United Healthcare is the focus of a Class Action Lawsuit in New York because of their questionable business practices. When I Googled “United Health Care reviews,” I was SHOCKED at the number of complaints against this company. How is it that they are getting away with this kind of behavior?

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Terrible Customer Service
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- If you can find anyone else to get your insurance through, do it! I have them through my workplace and they are TERRIBLE! I have never had an insurance company make you jump through so many hoops to maintain coverage. Every time I turn around I have to verify that I don't have any other insurance coverage. Now I have to send in a marriage certificate, copies of tax forms, "proof of ownership", and birth certificates just to prove to them that I have dependents. What the ** do they think I am paying them for? If I didn't have dependents, I wouldn't be paying their inflated rates!

If you have a claim, then it gets worse. They deny everything and then make you do all the work to try to get them to approve it afterwards. They will never contact you first regarding any information. No wonder they had to refund money because they made too much profit. They make their profit by failing to pay out for coverage you pay them for.

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Denial of **
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

FLORIDA -- I had to changed to my husband's insurance since I retired. I have taken ** for undiagnosed chronic pain. I have pain in my right shoulder, my lower back mainly on the right side and pain in my right ankle. During a trip to Wyoming, I pinched the nerve in my lower left back and had horrible pain shooting down my leg. I have seen two specialists and had three lumbar injections and two nerve procedures where they burn the nerve connections. I take ** and ** for the pain.

Now United Health care is denying my ** because I don't have nerve pain due to injury to spinal cord. Also they state if I can't take a tricyclic antidepressant or ** I am legible for **. Guess what! I can't take either. And I have chronic nerve pain. Go figure.

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Bogus Balance Due on Account
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

USA, MARYLAND -- Coverage ended 2/28/15 with $0 premium balance due. May 2016 got premium balance due $60.52. Able to still go into UHC account to print payments made from 2014 - 2015 time of coverage. Found they changed payment amounts. Still had emailed payment confirmations also. Had to get CC statements to prove amounts. Called UHC. Talked to Jessica to tell her I am waiting for CC statements since I went paperless and it is almost 1 1/2 year later. Please note my account. "No problem" she said.

Next day Mark calls from UHC asking for payment. WTH!!! Both times I feel they pretended to note my acct. I spoke with James 7/18 to say I have proof payment made but amount changed. He informed me I can only and repeat only send my proof via email or fax! No mailing. WTH again.

I'm lost in words since I had reported them when we had them for making coverage a nightmare. State Attorney's Office short staffed and because I was no longer with UHC they could not investigate them. Bull. So I am hearing others having the same issues with not paying for script, need preauthorizations again & again. Saying they did not have payment when did. Now how many are getting premium balance due over a year later???

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Insurance Mislead Me on Available Providers, Cost Me Thousands of Dollars
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

I started work with a new company that uses UHC. I live outside of their main area in the Northeast and when I used their website to look up providers I found none in the area. When I contacted them about this they told me the same thing. I cancelled the coverage and went on the very expensive COBRA plan available due to my old job. My HR department eventually gets to me and after further research finds that a different third-party website shows that I do have providers in my area.

It is unacceptable that their website does not work properly and that their staff is unable to provide the information I need to make my insurance choices. Their misinformation has cost me thousands of dollars, countless hours, and a fair amount of stress all while I've been trying to deal with a serious recent medical issue. If UHC is this terrible at providing simple information, I worry about relying on it for any serious medical issue.

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Claim Disputes
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

SALT LAKE CITY, NEVADA -- I was hospitalized in May of 2015. I first went to urgent care and was transported from that facility, by ambulance, to the emergency room. I was diagnosed with pneumonia, sepsis and was in renal and respiratory failure when I arrived. I was intubated and put on a ventilator and spent 8 days in ICU. The policy I had, had a $5000 deductible and a $6250 out of pocket maximum. I have satisfied the out of pocket max but I am still having problems getting UHC to pay the physician claims.

On my first appeal, they responded that they had not received the H&P and other medical records to support the claim. I responded with another letter and included all the clinical notes from each day in ICU. I then received a response with another denial saying that they could not find a claim for this appeal. The provider listed on the second denial was my new insurance carrier which was not effective until 11/1/15 and was never mentioned in any of my letters. The letter also stated that I had exhausted my limited appeals.

I responded with a third letter, highlighting all the information and I insisted that a supervisor look through all the documents and respond back to me by phone. I am giving them one week to respond and then I will go the state regulators. I have all the documentation and I am sure in the end they will have to pay the claim. I have never experienced such incompetency and poor customer service in my entire life.

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United Healthcare Rating:
Star Empty star Empty star Empty star Empty star
1.1 out of 5, based on 106 ratings and
153 reviews & complaints.
Contact Information:
United Healthcare
P.O. Box 1459
Minneapolis, MN 55440-1459
866-633-2446 (ph)
www.uhc.com
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