Welcome new members
New to your health plan? Use this checklist to get started
When you first start with a health plan, it may seem like there’s a lot to figure out. What’s your coverage? What doctors can you go to? How does your pharmacy work? Let’s unpack it here. By starting with these 7 steps, you’ll be on your way. Got your member ID card? That’s all you need to get started. Let’s go.
1. Activate your member account
Just like on any website, when you sign in to your health plan account, you’ll find easier ways to view your personalized information and manage the details of your plan. Here are a few things you can do when you set up your account and use your member site:
- Find network doctors and pharmacies
- Find and estimate costs
- View and pay claims
- Check your account balances
- Learn about covered preventive care
2. Download the UnitedHealthcare® app
The UnitedHealthcare app makes it easier to check your plan details and view your member ID card from your mobile device. Depending on your plan, you may be able to use the app to take care of tasks like these:
- Find nearby care options in your network
- Video chat with a doctor 24/7
- Check your progress toward your deductible
Use your mobile device to download the app
3. Stay in the network
The doctors and facilities in our network have agreed to provide services at a discount — so staying in network makes sense, especially when visiting an out-of-network provider could cost you a lot more for care. Find network doctors, mental health professionals, pharmacies, hospitals, labs and more by signing into your health plan member account.
4. Explore your pharmacy benefits
To get familiar with your prescription drug coverage, it’s best to sign in to your health plan account. After you get signed in, go to pharmacy and prescription coverage to:
- See your medication cost and coverage
- Locate a network pharmacy
- See if your medications have any requirements, like prior authorization or step therapy, before filling them
- Sign up for home delivery — with some plans, you may be able to order up to a 3-month supply of medications you take regularly
You can also call the member phone number on your member ID card with questions.
5. Make your first appointment
Many preventive screenings and immunizations are covered at no cost to you, so it’s a good idea to call your primary care provider (PCP) and get your first checkup on the calendar.
6. Review your member ID card
Keep your member ID card handy when you get care. It’s your proof that you have a health plan. The numbers on your card give important details about your plan, so it may be helpful to learn what they mean and how your card works.
7. Go paperless
Enjoy less paper and less clutter! Sign up to get your required communications online instead. It's simple to make the switch. Just sign in to your health plan member account to get started.
