Race, Ethnicity and Language (REL) collection & use

We want our members to be the healthiest they can be. Research shows that race and ethnicity may affect the risk for certain diseases. When members share their Race, Ethnicity and Language (REL) information with us, it helps us understand their unique health risks and health care needs. Knowing our members better means we can provide them with more personalized health care services.

Why does UnitedHealthcare need this personal information?

The collection of Race, Ethnicity and preferred Language information helps us better understand the needs of our members and enhance programs and services to improve quality of care. This information helps us:

  • Detect and reduce disparities in care
  • Ensure members receive appropriate benefits, and high quality services and programs
  • Provide members more culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services, where available
  • Comply with Legal and Regulatory standards

Will REL information remain confidential?

Race, Ethnicity and preferred Language information is confidential and protected like all personal health information. We will not use this information to make decisions about health care premiums, coverage for services or claims. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

What will happen if a member doesn’t provide this information?

Providing this information is entirely voluntary. We will not use this information to make decisions about health care premiums, coverage for services or claims. If a member chooses not to provide this information, this also will not affect insurance coverage, how much a member pays, or how we pay claims.

How do I provide my REL information to UnitedHealthcare?

There are two ways members can provide us with their REL information:

  1. Customer Care – Customer care professionals may ask to confirm existing or collect new REL information from members, including whether a member declines to provide his or her information.
  2. Care Management Interactions – Care Management staff may ask to confirm existing or collect new REL information from members, including whether a member declines to provider his or her information.