Recent premium increase for United Healthcare coverages

[jphorenci]

I am absolutely appalled at the just announced price increases for United Healthcare coverage. The increase in RX (over 90%) announced during the last open enrollment was enough force me to make a change and now the supplemental health coverage increase (22%) is astounding. As their primary selling agent, you should anticipate my changing to another, more affordable carrier at my first opportunity and hopefully a boatload of others doing the same. Shameful, unjustified, heartless, and ridiculous. Shame on both you and United Healthcare.  

[ksbradley21]

My bill is 230.74/month and is now going up $47! And I’m not sick! And I have Medicare premium I pay. I don’t understand how this is justified. A 20% hike for some of us is way more than scary. Going up to $277.24 till February then going up to $287.98! 
I go once every three months to the doctor and and my office visit without insurance would be far less than three month of premiums. Just staggering. 
id like to know why this much of a jump in my plan F? Oh, and this is AFTER "discounts". 

[TRL1111]

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@ksbradley21 wrote:

id like to know why this much of a jump in my plan F? 

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It is no doubt at least in part due to the fact that Plan F isn't accepting enrollment by anyone under 70 years old, so the people with Plan F are not only aging and presumably filing more claims (which results in increased premiums), their claims are not being offset by younger people who presumably don't have as many claims, so a Plan F's overall claims experience will typically increase faster than with other plans that are still open to younger enrollees.

You said you're not sick (although you go every three months to the doctor), so I assume you can pass underwriting (if you're in a state that allows it).  Shop for a new plan.  Switch to Plan G if the premium is lower enough to make up for the Part B deductible you'll have to pay, and maybe even if it isn't if you want to get out of the Plan F pool while you still can.  Or get a high-deductible plan, since your healthcare costs are low.

But be aware that all supplements are being hit hard by inflation and increased claims (people getting treatment that was put off during Covid, and people whose health was compromised during Covid and are suffering the effects of it), and supplement premiums go up to account for it.

[PilarH946312]

I have plan G and it’s going up around 20%, to $269.21 a month, that is $ 43.69  increase! That is not much better than plan F. This is very upsetting and I’m disgusted 🤢!!!

[SteveD198726]

 I just got hit with a 22% increase in my Medigap premium from AARP. This is a lot more than the annual 3% discount reduction. The letter says it's due to increasing costs of healthcare, but I suspect it's because UHC stock is in the crapper! My state allows switching plans for 60 days starting in birth month, but I'm worried that another company might not provide good service. Other than rate increases, I haven't had any problem with UHC/AARP coverage as long as Medicare approves a claim. Any suggestions, anyone??

[CarolynBI]

ALL supplements are required to pay if Medicare pays so that isn't an issue. If you have an advantage plan that is a different issue. 

[kh22372029]

The prices keep going up because their CEOs and other management make over 2 million dollars per year. My husband has plan G which increased in Jan, May and now June. I have Plan N and my increases came in Jan, Feb, and now June. Every year there are 6 increases we must deal with. I am done and will go with a different Company. If this keeps up you won't have any SS to pay the outrageous premium.

[PeterL240115]

Just started Medicare in 2022 and UHC supplement premium has gone up almost 25% in just 2.5 years. And in my state I can't switch without underwriting, and I've had cancer in the past. So - I'm stuck! UHC made 22 BILLION in 2023 (so much more than other insurance companies) and when this plan was selected in 2022 - no idea premiums were going to ramp up this fast. Really not reasonable that there is no control on rate hikes. 

[GailL1]

@PeterL240115 wrote 

Really not reasonable that there is no control on rate hikes.

===========================

Your state is the one that can exert a premium hike review but it will probably stand because of what this coverage actually represent which is 

1.  It is OPTIONAL coverage - you are not required to have any Medigap (Medicare Supplemental coverage) - not by the Feds and not by any state.

2.  Medigap is NOT health insurance - it is financial protection insurance for those with Traditional Medicare - since Trad Medicare has no cap on a beneficiary’s out of pocket cost, not annually and not lifetime, so this is coverage helps or prevents a catastrophic financial medical event under Traditional Medicare./

3.  Federal law ONLY covers what is within the various plan - state law covers the rest of the regulations like:

• who can be covered and how if the Medicare beneficiary is under 65 years old,  
• whether or not there is any extended guaranteed issue rights to buy or switch policies without underwriting after the IEP, 
• the amount of any reserve that has to be put away for claims management 
• perhaps what rating method is used by all insurers in the state - community rated, attained age or issue age.

Medigap rates are determined by

• usage in the plan (yours and others) and that is gonna be pretty high in certain plans (most popular currently - Plan G) and since most beneficiaries are members of the huge numbers of the baby boomers or earlier generations and they are gonna be high healthcare users - 
• the amount of risk that the insurer has when state law extends the guaranteed issue period without underwriting - since this allows those who might be older or older and sicker to enter other plans without underwriting which does let the insurer adjust premiums for health risk if they so desire.  Aren’t you glad you don’t have this in your state - your premiums would be even higher.
• whether or not those less that 65 and are on Medicare due to a disability are allowed to buy any Medigap  plan rather than no plan or a restricted plan like one of lesser coverage.

In a way, CMS uses Medigap coverage to control healthcare cost in Traditional Medicare.  They do this by cancelling the sale of certain (more lucrative) Medigap plans since it is a fact that people use more healthcare when they have no or a very small out of pocket cost.  They have done this through the years with Plan like Plan J or Plan F and others - and could do this in the future with Plan G or others.  When a plan has this type of (closed) book no new younger and healthier are allowed to buy into the discontinued plan but those who have them can stay with the plan but that just means that this group is getting older and possibly sicker and the premiums after a few years just sky-rocket. 

There are things that one can do to keep premium cost to a minimum - one thing is to accept more of your own risk.  IOW, choose a High Deductible Plan G instead of a regular Plan G - Once the annual high deductible is met (in 2025, I believe the deductible is $2870 and that does include the Part A and Part B deductibles), the HD-G plan performs exactly like the regular Plan G.

If I were you and you have some health conditions and are in a state where there is no extended guaranteed issue periods, thus you would be exposed to underwriting and/or an exclusionary period of an pre-existing condition (like 6-month), I would at least sit down with a trusted local Independent Medicare insurance broker - one that represents MANY insurers- and ask about switching to another insurer with perhaps a different plan - one where you accept more of the risk - and see just what might be offered.  These agents are different than those of UHC - they are not captive agents - they also know their insurers and the ones where they think you may have a chance of changing, what the premiums would be with underwriting and what if any exclusionary period there would be.

DO NOT BUY A MAPD plan if you don’t want one - make that clear.

Otherwise, yes, you are stuck in your current plan - and IF and WHEN the premiums might be TOO expensive your only other choice is Traditional Medicare without a Medigap (not wise) OR switching to a MAPD plan of a higher rating with broad coverage in networks and an additional out of network coverage (PPO).  Remember a MAPD is Medicare managed care.

Good Luck.

[PeterL240115]

Thanks. I do understand these issues but uncontrolled premium hikes was not an issue when I selected UHC. As for high deductible - it does not include Part A deductible, but is another choice. If I wanted to go thru underwriting. Thanks again. 

[CarolynBI]

Your premium goes up on your birthday month due to the declining discount. You are lucky. You have 5 more years of discount than I do. Then the premium goes up once a year in June. If you have a June birthday you get a double hit.

Cancer and UHC medical underwriting - solid tumors if you are cancer free for 3 years (so ONLY had check ups and they code it as cancer in remission) OR 5 years for a blood cancer (same coding rules) - if your situation fits that you are good to go as far as cancer goes. 

There are other conditions that affect underwriting and whether or not you pay "normal" prices (Tier 1) or a higher price (Tier 2). 

If you have an agent who helped you sign up call them and ask for a copy of the medical underwriting questions. I managed to pry that list out of united health care underwriting dept. 

Here is a video that is still accurate for UHC underwriting questions. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2F9QV3SbsI&t=120s

[TRL1111]

I've read reports of people with Advantage plans have multiple surgeries but still not meeting their out-of-pocket maximum.

My impression is that it's usually cancer treatments that end up costing the member big money, because coverage for cancer treatment is generally through coinsurance, and not a copay--the Advantage plan pays 80% and the member pays 20%.  The drugs that get administered by a provider for cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) can be obscenely expensive, and the member is responsible for 20% of that.  

[CarolynBI]

Original medicare also pays 80% so that is no different between the two. If you have supp G it pays the rest after the B deductible. If you have another supplement what it pays depends on the particulars of the alphabet letter. If you have an advantage plan you pay 20% up until you hit your out of pocket max. There is more than cancer that can break the bank.

[GailL1]

That is true, that’s why I specified “surgeries” - Part A coverage.  Yes, the cost of chemo and a few supportive oral drugs are covered under Part B and thus far they do remain expensive - Thus also the reason why Medigap Plan increase in premiums due to medical cost. And also why Part B premiums increase - usage and medical inflation.  

CMS has thought about changing these chemo drugs to Part D and out of Part B but thus far that has not passed because of the cost of these drugs - BUT now that Part D MOOP has been reigned in and there is no more donut hole - we may see this brought back to the table OR there could be a new class of coverage on the Medigap plans - which allows a separate deductible for other things like this - chemo therapy or even the Alzheimer’s treatment with the numerous imaging checks for improvement.  

Medical innovations cost alot in the beginning and I think Medicare will have to come to terms with this by increasing something other than Part B premiums - Beneficiaries that pay it are not the only ones complaining about Part B premium increases - States pay these Part B premiums for many beneficiaries if they qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs and this cost is hurting State Medicaid budgets too.

[CarolynBI]

And if they throw chemo, etc on D instead of B (well some treatment pills you take at home are already on D) they need to do what every other insurance company in the USA including federal, state, VA, local gov, private and international can do which is negotiate the price of ALL drugs. Yes the drug costs for everyone else would go up slightly if medicare could negotiate all of them. It is not reasonable to expect people on medicare, most of whom do not make that much money, to pay for everyone else's discounts.

[NorCalMom]

So, my Medigap started last April 1, when I retired. I have an aortic disease and I'm required to have 2 very expensive tests a year which are currently, being done at Stanford and together cost over 100K per year. My Initial mo. premium for 1 year was 116$ per month. First increase 160$ per month began 3/1/25 and 2nd increase190$ per month beginning in June. 

I knew going in that I needed top notch care, a choice of national hospitals and physicians,etc. I also knew that my healthcare was not cheap this has been going on for over 5 years. I previously was on Blue Cross through the college I worked for in California. 

I initially was surprised at the big increase but, then did my research and took a few deep breathes. I'm not rich but I want to live as long as I can to enjoy my family. The cost would have to increase 4 fold a month for me to consider other options. I just want to pipe in and say supplemental insurance may be expensive for me (and continue to rise) but without it I'd quite possibly be in financial trouble. Thanks for listening and I fully understand the frustrations with our increases. There just aren't any alternatives if you have serious health issues like me and want more control of your care options. 

[ksbradley21]

If only mine was that reasonable. Mine right now is 230.74 and jumping to 277.24 till February then goes up again to 287.98! And I’m on Medicare and pay those premiums. 🤦‍♀️ 

[GailL1]

@ksbradley21 

Everybody that has a Medigap plan (Medicare Supplement Plan) pays for their plan out or pocket - A Medigap plan is not subsidized by the government - In fact, it isn’t even a requirement of Traditional Medicare that you have one.  How a beneficiary pays for their part of their Traditional Medicare cost is up to them - although they may have some other type coverage to which they are eligible that covers some or all of their cost in Traditional Medicare.

[CarolynBI]

Exactly. When you have expensive and/or serious issues you need a supplement (and not an advantage plan) to save money AND you have far more choices where you can be treated for your problem without worrying about delays due to pre-approvals and denials that happen with advantage plans.  

[youngtoday01]

      On 3/28/25 i received notice of a cost increase for United Health Care Supplemental .  In June 2025  going from 337.50 to 368.00.  I feel this is probably due to the cost of the data breach which i read was 22,000,000. How  can most customers afford this. and how does United Health Care justify this other than by saying  cost of healthcare.  I there any govt agency that regulated this increase. i Know  AARP is a partner of sorts with UHC but you claim your a advocate for your members.  Can you speak to this.

[ksbradley21]

And I thought my 277,24 was bad! Ouch. If it was $6-10/month, I could understand. But this is a kick in the gut! So discouraging. I feel for you! 

[TRL1111]

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@youngtoday01 wrote:

      On 3/28/25 i received notice of a cost increase for United Health Care Supplemental .  In June 2025  going from 337.50 to 368.00.  

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Your increase of 10% is actually relatively low.  Lots of people are getting hit with 20% increases in their premiums. 

Are you in New York?

[GailL1]

@youngtoday01 - Do you have a AARP/UHC supplemental plan where there is an annual declining discount?

Supplemental plans all in crease in premiums from time to time - in some years more than others because the premiums are based on usage, risk , medical inflation. Most UHC/AARP supplemental plans or medigap plans are Community rated but others may increase due to attained age also.  

Your state also has a lot of oversite over Medigap insurers and their rates  A state that has increased guaranteed issue rights normally has higher premiums because they are allowing people with more risk to enter your plan after the initial sign up.  Good in some ways /bad in others.  

Insurers also have a  certain amount that they have to keep in reserve so if that starts getting low because SO many seniors are using the benefit, then premiums rise to restock the reserve/  

You can change policies IF your state has a period for this without underwriting.  Or if you are healthy enough to go thru underwriting without too much increase in premium cost.

AARP and UHC as well as other branded  benefit partners have joined together in a mutual beneficial effort - they both get advertising of the name brand.  As a member you have access to this product (only have to be a member the 1st year you enroll in the Medigap plan).  It is still up to you to determine if any of these products are the best for you and your needs.   

Check out what options you might have in your state.

[JenniferG338805]

I am also appalled. Didn’t they make millions in profits?  Did they learn nothing when their CEO was assassinated and public opinion was unsympathetic?  Or are they intending to deny care less to those in MA plans, and are raising our rates to pay for it?  But we chose the costlier supplement plans and are being penalized with big rate increases. Mid-year, when we can’t change insurers. Appalling!

[TRL1111]

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@JenniferG338805 wrote:

But we chose the costlier supplement plans and are being penalized with big rate increases. Mid-year, when we can’t change insurers. 

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You can change supplements whenever you want.  The open enrollment period at the end of the year that you're probably thinking of has nothing to do with supplements. 

[GailL1]

There are NO rate changes for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage or Medicare Advantage plans during a year.  These policies are renewable every year during Open Enrollment 10/15 - 12/07 and the premiums for these products have been approved by CMS based on the formula they use for bid pricing.  You get to accept or pick another policy (Part D and MAPD) at that time of the year.

Most likely you are talking about Medigap or a Medicare Supplemental policy and for that type of coverage - UHC many times gives a declining discount that they take back a bit each year AND they can also increase their premiums in order to maintain their reserve - which is based on the usage of the Medicare program and yes, the profit is added in - most states have an approval process for rate increases - check yours,   

Medigap is NOT health insurance - it does not decide anything about health - if Medicare pays, the Medigap plan pays.  Medigap coverage is only applicable to the traditional Medicare program because there is no financial protection for the beneficiary in the Trad. program like there is in a MA plan (has a total out of pocket).  Medigap is financial protection insurance used with Traditional Medicare to prevent a catastrophic medical financial event.

[m492773m]

In addition to the increases, my sister has both UH for her Medigap and prescription coverage. Last year her EPO was covered completely. This year, they want $750 per month. We cannot afford a medication that is necessary. Other drugs she’s taking—most generic—are now more expensive. I decided not to go with AARP when I turned 65 this year because the premium was too high. AARP should look for a different provider because UH has a bad rep for a reason. 

[GailL1]

@m492773m 

As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2024, there were LOTS of changes to Medicare prescription drug plans for 2025.  That’s why there is an open enrollment period between October 15 - December 7 so that everybody on Medicare prescription Drug coveage or a MA plan with an included Prescription has a chance to review all the policy changes for the up and coming year and make changes according to their needs.

Did your sister review her plan and make sure her medication was covered for 2025 - she may have need to make a change.  Formularies changed as well as the total out of pocket seniors will have to pay.

She should read her explanation of benefits sent to her by her particular drug plan in the fall of last year.  Prescription drug plans change some every year - a little or a lot - it was a lot of changes for the 2025 plans.  This is why you don’t just pick one and let it ride - because the drug you need may not be covered in the formulary or it may have changed tiers and other type conditions could be added to a particular drug like step therapy or quantity limits or pre approval.

[RayM920964]

In response to all of the comments about UHC, the fact remains that there has been a continuous pattern of claim denials and increasing profits for this company.

Here are the facts.

1. UHC denies more claims than any other health insurer

2. UHC is a for profit entity and raises their premiums higher because of both health care costs and to increase their profits.

3. UHC also very aware that patients will sometimes need to jump through hoops to challenge a claim denial through legal means which means time and money. It can result an a reversed decision on the claim, but it can be a long, painful process.

4. UHC is using AI algorithms in determining a claim eligibility

5. AARP promotes UHC and receives royalties from them.

You can research everything I stated, along with UHC and their overall profit margin, and come up with a fair and educated understanding of the problem.

Here are possible and ways to address the problem.

1. Write or call your Congressman or Congresswoman. I contact my elected officials often, and I ask them what they plan to about about a specific problem and I follow-up. The more people who get their elected officials involved, the more things will get accomplished.

2. Contact AARP and have them rationalize their continued support of AARP. My own response to AARP is that they need to look for health insurers who better serve its members. Unfortunately, I am taking it a step further and will not renew my AARP membership. They are not looking out for our interests. Plus, I don't need the coupons and the articles they publish that I can find anywhere online.

IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP.

[kasyy]

I left back In mid year when they raised my plan n by 28%.  However the only way I could do that was because my husbands union has a plan with guaranteed acceptance for retired union members.  I was lucky to get into their plan F for the same premium as that plan n - and now I see if I had not switched I would have been in for another increase!!  What I am trying to say is if you have any union affiliations check it out.  And my last bit to get out of my system is these Advantage plans - they are the "best" scams to come along in years.  And the government and AARP is pushing them along.!  It is truly appalling - and when you do not have the help to navigate it many are falling victim to these "advantage" plans.  Shameful..