UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

Making up a large percentage of healthcare coverage, employer-sponsored plans provide insurance to millions. UHC offers employer plans for small businesses, national accounts, group retirees, and large businesses. These plans include medical, vision, dental, and disability. Employers typically share the cost of these health insurance premiums.

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in March of 2010, made it mandatory for any business with more than 50 full-time employees to offer health insurance to their teams. Also, the law provides consumers with tax credits if their household incomes fall between 100 to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

UHC has individual and family plans available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. As a result, many families are eligible for lower monthly premiums for health coverage, and UHC offers various options in the marketplace. These plans are available for individuals and families who are not using employer-sponsored health insurance or a government insurance program.

UnitedHealthcare offers plans for individuals who are self-employed. This includes TriTerm Medical through the Golden Rule Insurance Company, which became part of UnitedHealthcare in 2003. TriTerm Medical is a short-term insurance plan offering coverage for up to three years.

Student health insurance is available for college students through the school’s student health plan programs. Each college has its own student insurance page where students can review the plans offered. Being a student can be challenging. Fortunately, healthcare plans for college students are usually lower cost than health insurance available to the student’s parents through their employers.

Additionally, UnitedHealthcare’s student plans may provide better benefits than if students were to stay on family plans, with a lower cost in deductibles and premiums as well. Student health plans also give students access to school-sponsored and on-site school clinics.

Medicare is a joint federal and state program that provides coverage for people with limited resources and income. Therefore, it cuts costs significantly for a wide range of healthcare services for those who qualify.

UHC offers the following Medicare insurance plans:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
• Prescription Drug (Part D) Plans
• Dual Special Needs (D-SNP) Plans

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is available to United States residents who have lived in the US for at least five years and are 65 years of age or older. However, individuals with a disability that are younger than 65 years may qualify after 24 months of receiving Social Security disability benefits. Lastly, a specific diagnosis may qualify an individual for Medicare, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps with healthcare costs for people with limited income and resources. When comparing Medicaid and Medicare, the main difference is that Medicaid is available to individuals of low income regardless of age.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

Eligibility requirements for Medicaid differ among states and take into consideration the family size and income level. While specific qualifications vary per state, the following groups of individuals may qualify for Medicaid:

• Pregnant women
• Children
• Senior citizens
• People with a disability
• Those in a low-income household (eligibility per state)