United Healthcare Medicare Complete – Better than Regular Medicare?

Medicare, the U.S. Government's health insurance plan, is automatically offered to most senior citizens at least 65 years old. For a younger person to be eligible for Medicare program, certain conditions need be satisfied (e.g., certain disabilities or diseases). The Medicare program is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Medicare plan as it currently exists consist of four parts.  Part A provides hospital coverage.  Part B offers optional medical coverage.  Part C allows some Medicare recipients to receive their coverage through private insurance companies.  The prescription drug plan is implemented through Part D.

Medical Complete is the name of a Medicare alternative offered by United Healthcare Services, Inc. (UNH).  Although Medical Complete is not a new "part" of Medicare, it is approved by Medicare, and the government must approve the Medicare Complete benefits.  Additionally, United Healthcare is under contract with the federal government to provide this plan to American citizens.  The difference with the Medicare Complete plan is that it administers a member's Medicare coverage rather than Medicare itself.

The Medicare Complete program was created in 1997 to provide health care consumers with more choices for receiving their Medicare benefits.  This is allowed through Medicare Part C, which allows private insurance companies to offer Medicare coverage.

The coverage provided by Medicare Complete was designed to meet and exceed the minimum coverage of regular Medicare.  It provides coverage at least as equivalent to Medicare Parts A and B.  Preventive care is covered, and there are annual spending limits on most out-of-pocket expenses.  Furthermore, the Medicare Complete coverage can travel with the member through the UnitedHealth Passport program.

In response to the recent addition of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, there is an equivalent Medicare Complete Rx plan.  The coverage matches that of the regular Medicare prescription plan.  Medicare Complete members may chooses a plan with or without the Medicare Complete Rx option.

Customer service is built in to the Medicare Complete program.  A toll-free line offers customer service.  Registered nurses can be consulted around the clock for medical advice.  A newsletter is published three times annually.  Medical education on certain diseases, as well as medical reminders for periodic medical treatments, are provided.

If you are tired of dealing with Medicare, want a plan with more benefits for the same price, and would welcome increased customer service, consider a Medicare Complete plan.  It appears to provide the same (or better) benefits than your current Medicare plan, with personalized care.

Filed under: General-Medicare