Can I have Medicare and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

Asked by: Mr. Keon Murray DVM  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (48 votes)

Yes — but you have to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. For a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to apply.

Is Medicare primary or secondary to UnitedHealthcare?

Medicare is your primary insurer, and that won't change when you take COBRA. Medicare will cover some or all health care costs first. COBRA may pay some costs not paid for by Medicare.

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?

Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.

Is UnitedHealthcare considered Medicare?

UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement serves 7 million people through a variety of Medicare Advantage plans and a full scope of value-added services and clinical programs.

Can you have Medicare and health insurance at the same time?

Yes. Coverage from an employer through the SHOP Marketplace is treated the same as coverage from any job-based health plan. If you're getting health coverage from an employer through the SHOP Marketplace based on your or your spouse's current job, Medicare Secondary Payer rules apply.

Can I Have Medicare and Employer Health Coverage?

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Can you have Medicare and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

Most UnitedHealthcare dual-eligible plans do not charge a separate monthly premium. People eligible for Medicare may also qualify for the program that helps lower the cost of prescription drugs. The Extra Help program may help pay your Medicare Part D monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments.

Can I have my own insurance and Medicare?

If you have Medicare and other health insurance (like from a group health plan, retiree coverage, or Medicaid), each type of coverage is called a "payer." The "primary payer" pays up to the limits of its coverage, then sends the rest of the balance to the "secondary payer."

How much does UnitedHealthcare cost per month for Medicare?

The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00, which is an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2023.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What is the best Medicare insurance for seniors?

The Best Medicare Advantage Companies of 2025 include:
  • Best Medicare Advantage Company: Aetna Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Ins. Co., Devoted Health, Inc., Highmark Health.
  • Best Medicare Part D Company: Centene Corporation, Elevance Health, Inc., Humana Inc., Medica Holding Company.

Why does AARP recommend UnitedHealthcare?

AARP does not necessarily argue that UnitedHealthcare is the right choice for every Medicare beneficiary, but it does proclaim it as a trusted healthcare partner and resource. Of course, there may be an additional reason other than UHCs good name. UnitedHealthcare pays AARP for the use of its name.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Is there a class action lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealth Group Inc has agreed to a $69 million settlement to resolve allegations that it breached fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The class action lawsuit, which has been pending for over three years, involved the company's 401(k) savings plan.

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

The best Medicare supplement plan providers
  • Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
  • Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
  • Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Is UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage a good plan?

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are rated at about the industry average, receiving an average rating of 3.93 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2025, weighted by enrollment.

Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?

Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Why are hospitals dropping Medicare Advantage?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

Does UnitedHealthcare have a copay?

By choosing a network provider, hospital, clinic or pharmacy, you'll be paying UnitedHealthcare's negotiated rates for eligible care. You'll only be responsible for your pre-determined copay. If you choose care that is not in the network, you may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for your care.

What changes are coming to UnitedHealthcare in 2024?

On January 1, 2024, our plan name will change from AARP® Medicare Advantage Focus (HMO- POS) to AARP® Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-029P (HMO-POS). We will mail you a new UnitedHealthcare member ID card.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement: AARP/UnitedHealthcare. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2025. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover many of the costs that you usually pay if you have regular Medicare.

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone
  • Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
  • Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.