5 health benefit myths — busted

There are lots of things many of us think we “know for sure” about our health insurance. As we take on each myth one by one, you might become aware of value you never knew your health insurance had. It’s part of how we’re helping make quality care more affordable.

Let’s say your allergies flare up and you need a doctor visit. Instead of paying this: Office Visit, Allergy & Asthma Specialist: $252. You might pay something more like this: Copay: $50. That is, if you see a network doctor. Why? It’s all about what network providers agree to with your insurance company.

When you have health insurance, your insurance company works with providers in a particular network (like providers affiliated with your local hospital, for example). They agree on what will be paid for certain procedures. So when you choose their services, your cost will likely be lower. Depending on your plan, that might either be a copay or their discounted rate. Providers who aren’t in your health plan network could charge more, which means their services could cost you more or may not be covered at all.

What about major surgeries?

Let’s say you’re having a major procedure, like shoulder surgery. Because larger procedures have larger costs, it’s even more important to know in advance what providers in your network charge — because different providers may charge different amounts for the same health care service. If you’re a UnitedHealthcare member, sign in at uhc.com and choose “Find Care & Costs,” or reach out to us in advance of your surgery at member.uhc.com/help to help find care and estimate your costs.

1. Choose network providers. 
2. When you’re getting a major procedure, like surgery, compare the costs that different providers near you charge. UnitedHealthcare members can choose “Find Care” in the UnitedHealthcare app or under the “Find Care & Costs” tab on the member website to see what the different providers near you charge.
3. When you need immediate care, consider your care options. For instance, if it’s after hours for your primary care provider and you have a health issue that’s urgent but not life-threatening, think twice before you spend hours waiting in the emergency room or possibly end up with an unexpected bill. Alternatives like urgent care could save you up to $2,300. Or for lab work, imaging or outpatient surgery, look into freestanding clinics vs. the hospital. If you’re a UnitedHealthcare member, take a look at your money-saving options for care.

In group health plans, health insurance premiums aren’t set for individual people. They’re based on all the people who live around where you live and are right around the same age as you are. No matter how much you use your insurance for the plan year, it won’t affect your premiums in a group health plan. In fact, the preventive care included in your coverage is designed to help you stay healthy by managing and maintaining your health, and it’s generally covered at 100 percent by most health plans. It can help reduce your risk of developing health issues that would need diagnostic care, which could have additional costs, depending on your plan coverage.¹ So consider using your health insurance and getting your checkups to help stay healthier!

When you take advantage of your health care benefits when you’re well — things like annual exams and routine preventive screenings — it may help catch health issues early when they may be easiest to treat. And, depending on your plan, it may be 100% covered, meaning you’d have no cost. Just be sure to use a network provider.

What is routine preventive care? It includes things like:

• Your annual physical exam
• Immunizations
• Well-baby and well-child care
• Mammography, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy
• Cervical screening

Get a preventive care checklist to prepare for your next annual wellness exam. If you’re a UnitedHealthcare member, sign in to your health plan account or call the number on your health plan ID card to find a provider.

Many insurers offer a range of benefits to help keep members well. UnitedHealthcare offers these benefits for most members:

1. Annual physical — $0 copay or coinsurance when you use a network provider
2. Preventive screenings — $0 copay or coinsurance when you use a network provider for covered tests like mammograms, cervical and colorectal screenings, and blood pressure screenings
3. Flu shots and other vaccines — $0 copay or coinsurance for covered services when you visit a network provider
4. Well-baby/well-child exams — $0 copay or coinsurance for covered services when you visit a network provider
5. Plus rewards that put the health in health care — Your UnitedHealthcare plan may include rewards programs like UHC Rewards, Rally®, UnitedHealthcare Motion® and UnitedHealth Personal Rewards®, where you can get tailored goals and incentives to reward you for doing things like eating healthier or becoming more active. Learn more about UnitedHealthcare rewards programs.

In the United States, mental illness ranks among the most common health issues.² 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness every year. And 1 in 6 kids do, too.³

Beyond affecting our emotional and social well-being, mental health disorders can impact our physical health, raising our risk for illnesses like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.²

The good news is that many health insurance policies include coverage for mental health care. Coverage often includes behavioral health treatment, like psychotherapy and counseling, inpatient services, meaning if you need to be hospitalized or to stay in a treatment facility, and treatment for substance abuse.

What about virtual mental health care visits? Lots of people say they’re more comfortable with virtual visits for mental health care. If that’s you, ask your insurance provider if they offer virtual mental health care options.

Important mental health resources

• These phone and text resources are available to everyone throughout the United States for help in a crisis.
• In any emergency, call 911
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 988lifeline.org/chat
• Substance Use Helpline: 1-855-780-5955
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741

You’re not alone, and help is available. So get help when you need it — and take care of yourself.

When your mind needs us, we’re here for you

UnitedHealthcare supports members’ mental health with online, app-based and in-person resources and care.

• See all the mental health resources UnitedHealthcare offers
• Get information about choosing mental health providers
• Download the Self Care by Able To app, which provides tools to help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression

While different health insurance policies are structured differently and none cover everything, some of the possibilities may surprise you. See if your plan covers these 7 services — and see how much more value you could be getting out of your health insurance.

1. Chiropractic care. With many insurance policies, you can see a network chiropractor for the cost of your copay.
2. Tobacco cessation. Many health insurers help cover medications to help you quit smoking, like nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhaler, bupropion and varenicline, as well as may include counseling. Eligible UnitedHealthcare members have access to Quit For Life® — coaching and support to help quit tobacco.
3. Weight loss. Most health insurers provide obesity screening and counseling. Eligible UnitedHealthcare members have access to Real Appeal® — online coaching help for building healthy habits that support weight loss in areas like nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress.
4. Naturopathy. Naturopathy may or may not be covered — depending on where you live. Many insurers will cover a licensed naturopath (naturopath practitioners use natural remedies like herbs, exercise and nutrition to help your body heal itself).
5. Substance use. Most insurance companies cover substance abuse care under their mental health services. So if you or a loved one needs support or guidance on treatment options, call them now and get started toward recovery. UnitedHealthcare members can find confidential substance use help, treatment and resources here.
6. Massage therapy. This one’s a maybe. The best way to get massage covered is to prove you need it by getting a doctor’s prescription. But some insurers only cover massage therapy by physical therapists. However, Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy at all. Your best bet is to ask your doctor and your insurance company.
7. Acupuncture. Most health insurance plans do cover acupuncture, but some of them will only cover it for certain conditions — things like lower back pain, migraines and nausea. It’s important to ask your insurance company — and make sure your acupuncturist accepts insurance, because some don’t.