Is Medicare primary or secondary to UnitedHealthcare?

Asked by: Jazmin Kulas DDS  |  Last update: June 19, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)

If you retire, are eligible for Medicare and retain coverage under your Employer Plan, Medicare is primary. Other COB rules for Medicare apply if you are disabled and covered by a large Employer Benefit Plan or are covered under COBRA continuation benefits.

How to tell if Medicare is primary or secondary?

If you have non-tribal group health plan coverage through an employer who has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays first, and the non-tribal group health plan pays second. If you have health insurance through a tribal health plan, Medicare pays first and the tribal health plan pays second.

Can I have Medicare and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

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.

How do you determine which insurance is primary and which is secondary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

Is UnitedHealthcare affiliated with Medicare?

As the only company to offer Medicare plans with the AARP name, and as the nation's largest Medicare Advantage, D-SNP and Medicare Supplement carrier, UnitedHealthcare serves 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries, or over 13 million people, through a portfolio of products that include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, ...

Humana Vs United Healthcare Medicare Advantage (Pros & Cons Review)

24 related questions found

Is Medicare or UHC primary?

The Employer Plan is primary for people who are 65 or older, still working for an employer with 20 or more employees and eligible for Medicare. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is primary. If you retire, are eligible for Medicare and retain coverage under your Employer Plan, Medicare is primary.

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.

Does Medicare automatically bill secondary insurance?

Medicare doesn't automatically know if you have other coverage. But your insurers must report to Medicare when they're the primary payer on your medical claims. In some situations, your healthcare provider, employer or insurer may ask questions about your current coverage and report that information to Medicare.

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 Medicare primary or secondary to group insurance?

If you work for a larger company, your employer-based coverage will be your primary coverage and Medicare your secondary coverage. Either way, after both insurers have paid their part of your medical bill, you only pay the balance.

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.

Is UnitedHealthcare dual Medicare?

Reliable Medicare plans with benefits built to be used

If you have Medicare and Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete is coverage you can count on. We're America's most chosen brand for Dual Special Needs plans, 1 with coverage 4 out of 5 members recommend.

Does UnitedHealthcare cover Medicare Part B deductible?

It's a preset, fixed cost. Most Medicare Supplement plans provide coverage for your Part A hospital deductible. In most cases, you're responsible for your Medicare Part B deductible, which is an annual cost of $257 in 2025.

Will Medicare pay secondary if primary denies?

Note: If the GHP is the primary payer but doesn't pay in full, we may pay secondary to cover the remaining amount the GHP doesn't pay if it's a service Medicare covers. If the GHP denies payment because the plan doesn't cover the service, we may pay primary if it's a service Medicare covers.

What happens to my younger wife when I go on Medicare?

Medicare is individual insurance, so spouses cannot be on the same Medicare plan together. Now, if your spouse is eligible for Medicare, then he or she can get their own Medicare plan.

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.

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).

Is Medicare supposed to be primary or secondary?

Primary payers are those that have the primary responsibility for paying a claim. Medicare remains the primary payer for beneficiaries who are not covered by other types of health insurance or coverage. Medicare is also the primary payer in certain instances, provided several conditions are met.

Does Medicare automatically crossover to secondary insurance?

Automatic Crossover Claims

Medicare uses a consolidated Coordination of Benefits Contractor (COBC) to automatically cross over to Medi-Cal claims billed to any Medicare contractor for Medicare/Medi-Cal eligible recipients.

Can you use Medicare and private insurance at the same time?

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."

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.

What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.