UnitedHealthcare Portfolio & Rate Update for Q1

UnitedHealthcare has released details on their update for Q1 2021. Quoting is now available through March 2021.

Rate Updates
All HMO and PPO plans will experience a slight decrease for Q1 2021 compared to Q4 2020 rates. 

• PPO -1.8%
• HMO -0.1%
• EPO 4.1%

New Northern California Network: Doctor’s Plan

New in 2021, Northern California will have access to the Doctor’s Plan network (PPO). This network will be available to employees in regions 2 and 4-9, and will only be available in the Choice Simplified III portfolio. All plans utilizing the Doctor's Plan network will have in-network benefits only with the exception of emergency and urgent care services.

This network is still going through approval; more information will be coming from UnitedHealthcare over the next few weeks. Based on our comparisons, the Doctor’s plan network shows an estimated 18% savings when compared to the Select Plus network, and 10% savings compared to the Core network. 

Portfolio Updates
In 2021 there will be 3 Choice Simplified portfolios (down from 4) and the Multi-Choice State portfolio, which contains the exchange-like plans and Non-differential PPO. While any employer can offer any of the Choice Simplified portfolio’s, they have been designed for Southern California and Northern California based on the available network options.  
 

Terminations: Plan and Networks
The following plans and networks will be terminated as of January 2021. Members on these plans will be transitioned to a new plan at their 2021 renewal. Plan discontinuance letters will be mailed on October 1, 2020.

• All Bronze HMO plans
• The Focus HMO network
• Gold HMO 0-80/30%/1500ded (all networks)
• Gold HMO 0-80/20% (alliance)
• Silver HMO 30%/2250ded (alliance)

Program Changes
SimplyEngaged

• A new version of the program launches in 2021 with easier requirements. New sales material will be coming soon:
• Members who complete a health survey and view a Rally video can earn Rally Coins
• Lowered requirements for missions.  Previously members were required to perform 3 rally missions or a biometric screening.  As of 2021, members will only need to complete 1 of the following programs:
  • Wellness coaching
  • Real Appeal
  • Quit for Life
• The requirement to complete the Health Care Cost Estimate is replaced by the requirement to complete a virtual visit. 

Motion Program (HSA)
Requirements have been lowered to help members meet the goals and earn credits. Members, and their enrolled spouse, can earn up to $1,095 credits per year.
 

2021 Materials
Updated materials, including SOB’s and SBC’s, will be coming soon.  The following items are available now:

• UnitedHealthcare Group Acceptance/Change and Product & Benefit Selection Form  (These forms are now combined in 2021)
• UnitedHealthcare Choice Simplified Brochure
• UnitedHealthcare Product Grid