Is UnitedHealthcare the same as Medicaid?

Asked by: Hayley Leffler  |  Last update: September 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (50 votes)

State governments contract with private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare to provide health coverage for beneficiaries of Medicaid and other government health care programs. Our government-sponsored health plans operate under the name UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

Is UnitedHealthcare considered Medicaid?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.

Is UnitedHealthcare the same as Medicare?

No, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are sold by a private insurance company that has contracted with the federal government to sell Medicare plans. Members of these plans generally must use the providers and hospitals within the plan's network for their nonemergency health care.

What type of healthcare is UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealthcare offers a full range of health benefits, enabling affordable coverage, simplifying the health care experience and delivering access to high-quality care. UnitedHealthcare serves customers through four businesses: Employer & Individual, Medicare & Retirement, Community & State, and Global.

Can I have Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

With a dual health plan, you'll keep your Medicaid benefits, and you'll get more benefits than Original Medicare with as low as a $0 plan premium. UnitedHealthcare dual health plans include a wide range of extra benefits and features. Our plans may cover: Routine dental care.

Is United Healthcare Medicaid? - CountyOffice.org

30 related questions found

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.

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.

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare?

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.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

What is UnitedHealthcare called now?

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company with team members in two distinct and complementary businesses — Optum and UnitedHealthcare — working to help build a modern, high-performing health system.

What kind of food can I buy with my UnitedHealthcare card?

Use the handy list below to help you shop for foods that qualify.
  • Fresh fruits & vegetables.
  • Canned fruits & vegetables.
  • Frozen produce & meals.
  • Fresh salad kits.
  • Dairy products.
  • Meat & seafood.

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.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What insurance company does Medicaid use?

Today, Centene is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the nation serving 13.1 million members, and a leader in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, four of the largest Medicaid states.

Is UnitedHealthcare a Medicare?

If your former employer does not provide retirement coverage, UnitedHealthcare offers a broad range of Medicare Advantage plans for individuals, so you have options to help fit your specific health care needs.

Does United do Medicaid?

Instead of getting Medicaid directly through your state, individuals can sign up for a Medicaid plan through UnitedHealthcare, which opens up their networks to include thousands of excellent therapists.

Is United Healthcare Medicaid?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

How do I see if I have Medicaid?

Contact your state Medicaid office

By providing some personal information, like your Social Security number or application ID, they can look up your current eligibility status and let you know if you have active coverage.

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.

What benefits do you get with UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® plans include $0 annual physical exams, $0 lab tests and $0 preventive care. Plus, plans include a monthly credit to help pay for OTC and healthy food.

Is UnitedHealthcare a good insurance plan?

Although a few companies, such as Kaiser Permanente, performed better in this category, UnitedHealthcare received 4.06 out of 5 stars. The company also did well in J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study scores for California, which measures health plans for overall customer satisfaction.

Can I get Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® is for people who have Medicaid and Medicare. You'll keep all your Medicaid benefits, plus you'll get more benefits at no extra cost to you.

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 is the U card for Medicaid?

What is the UCard? As a member of a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, you may have the easy-to-use UCard, which is your member ID card — and so much more. It helps make it easier to access your benefits and programs, check in at a provider, fill prescriptions, if applicable, and more.