UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is the parent of United Healthcare, the biggest health insurance company in the United States. As of 2017, Fortune magazine ranks UnitedHealth number 6 on its Top 500 American Companies list and is on track to earn nearly 200 billion dollars of revenue in 2017. Its organizational structure includes numerous subsidiaries and divisions that in total serve more than 80 million people nationwide.
United traces its roots back to 1974. The company developed swiftly after several acquisitions and was the first company to create network health plans for seniors. In 1984, United changed its enterprise status to a publicly traded, for-profit company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Recently, UnitedHealth Group has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements to the American Medical Association and the State of New York related to the company’s efforts to defraud its customers by manipulating the ‘usual and customary rates’ paid by insurers. In 2017 the department of justice joined another case where a suit alleges that a United Healthgroup subsidiary defrauded the United States government out of “likely billions- of dollars.”
Insurance policies can change at any time
If you are a United policyholder, you may be curious about the details of your plan.
Will it cover the type of nose surgery that I need?
Will I need to pay any out-of-pocket expenses?
Do I have a deductible?
Health insurance consumers are accustomed to changes in premiums and other rates. However, it can become especially confusing if this information is not communicated in an easy-to-understand way. United Healthcare frequently reissues its policies with regard to what is covered. The most recent reissue of it’s “Rhinoplasty and other Nasal Surgeries” guidelines were issued July 1, 2017, and refers to “Nasal and Sinus Procedures” last reviewed on April 18, 2017. Its no wonder patients can get confused and procedures may not be covered. We make a point to stay updated on each revision to make sure you know what to expect. We will advocate for you as the patient and let you know what your benefits are so there are no surprises and you receive all of the benefits you deserve.
If you suspect you may need nose surgery and are a United member, contact us at our upper east-side practice. As an out-of-network office, we can spend more time and attention with your care than in-network practices that may be required to see more patients. We have a specialized team of insurance specialists that can interpret your policy and let you know what your benefits are. We ensure that your insurance covers your nose surgery to the largest extent possible. Dr. Bennett and his office value each patient, and strive to make you feel comfortable and confident that you are receiving the best care possible. Please feel free to contact our office if you would like an evaluation for your nasal surgery procedure.
Does United Insurance ever mislead patients?
For-profit insurance companies will do many things to keep profits high. The most recent technique before the holidays in 2018 was to send patients letters saying that their out-of-network doctor “is no longer participating in the UnitedHealthcare Network”. Doctor Garrett Bennett will see United patients as an out-of-network provider but dropped United in-network about 10 years ago. This confusing language by UnitedHealthcare is an attempt to mislead you, the patient, from giving up your hard-earned and paid for out-of-network benefits.
You are entitled to your out-of-network benefits.