For individuals enrolled in eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, a valuable benefit is available through the UnitedHealthcare UCard®. This card provides access to credits that can be used to purchase covered over-the-counter (OTC) products, and for some plans, healthy food and wellness support. It's important to understand the specifics of this program to maximize its benefits.
UCard Functionality and Credit Loading
The UCard acts as a debit card, pre-loaded with credits either quarterly or monthly, depending on the specific UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. These credits can then be used to purchase eligible items at participating retailers. It offers a convenient and flexible way to access healthcare and wellness products.
Accessing Covered Products
The UCard provides access to a wide range of covered products, including both brand-name and generic options. These products can be found at over 65,000 retail locations, including major chains like Walmart and CVS.
For those who prefer to shop online, the UCard Hub is accessible through the member website or the UnitedHealthcare app. This online portal allows users to easily search for covered products by category, brand, or price, streamlining the shopping experience.
The over-the-counter credit can be used to get everyday health care products at no cost. It gives you the flexibility to choose from thousands of brand name and generic products.
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Using the Product Scanner
To simplify in-store shopping, the UnitedHealthcare app features a product scanner. This tool allows users to quickly verify whether a specific product is covered by their plan while they are still in the store. By scanning the product's barcode, the app will indicate whether or not it is an eligible item.
Healthy Food and Utility Benefits
Some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP), extend the UCard benefits beyond OTC products to include healthy food and wellness support. This allows members to use their credits for nutritious food options and other wellness-related items.
In 2026, a verification process will be implemented to ensure that members using their monthly OTC credit for healthy food and utilities have a qualifying chronic condition. However, UnitedHealthcare has already proactively verified the condition for a significant majority (95%) of eligible members, streamlining the process for them. This verification process is exclusive to UnitedHealthcare.
Real-World Perspective
Natharan P., a UnitedHealthcare member, shares his positive experience with the UCard: "UnitedHealthcare has been great for me. I got a UCard and I love the UCard. I can buy groceries, aspirin. I can get whatever I need… With the UCard, it has to be something over the counter. It has to be something for your health needs. Wholesome. It has to be something like vegetables, fruit, milk, juice, on that order. It's nice." This testimonial highlights the real-world benefits and convenience the UCard offers to its users.
Important Considerations
It's crucial to remember that benefits, features, and available items may vary based on the specific plan and geographic area. Limitations, exclusions, and network restrictions may also apply. Food, OTC, and utility benefits often have expiration timeframes, so it's important to use them within the designated period.
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For detailed information about specific plan benefits, members should consult their plan documents, such as the Evidence of Coverage (EOC), or contact UnitedHealthcare directly.
Impact of External Factors
It's important to note that the healthy food benefits provided through UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are separate from government assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps). Therefore, government shutdowns or changes in SNAP will not affect these benefits. If you get healthy food benefits through your UHC Medicare plan, don’t worry - your benefits are not affected by the government shutdown or changes in SNAP (food stamps).
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