UCard Troubles

[JackieS399655]

I am going on my second year using the United Healthcare UCard.  I am very low income and use it to buy food. In 2023, it took them 4 months to issue a card where the bar code actually worked when scanned at the grocery store. By that time I had lost a significant amount of healthy food purchasing dollars. The unused amount does not carry over month-to-month and they would not reimburse me for the 4 months of dollars I lost due to defective cards.

This year, they did not send me a new card at the end of 2023. I had to call and request my 2024 card. They told me in the meantime to print my new card at home. Did that and the barcode is un-scannable at the grocery store. My new plastic was supposed to be here by now after my phone call requesting a new 2024 card. It has not yet arrived. I hope it doesn't take 4 months to get a usable card this year. I am thinking they are scammers when they make it impossible to use the card.

Also, what they consider "healthy food" is a joke. It will pay for greasy, salty chips, but not for pretzels, among other things. Also there is no way to know what will be covered until the item is actually rung up at the register.  So, I have to use two carts when I check out. One for the food they do cover and one for the food they don't cover. Then all of the things they don't cover have to be voided off the bill.

Is there an easier way to figure out what food is covered before ringing the item up?  Has anyone who is very low income and receives a monthly OTC benefit experienced the card being delayed or not working at all month after month?

Thank you.

[naspeed]

Hi, Jackie ~ I am on United Healthcare's Internet Ucard site to let them know I am having problems using my Ucard -- this is not the first time. I have X amount added to my Ucard the 1st of each month. Yesterday, I entered the OTC items that I need to replenish. We are at the lower section of the money scale. We buy food, too, but we purchase aspirin, Tylenol, milk of magnesia, vitamins, etc. using this card. 

Yesterday was an ordinary day using the Ucard... except that warnings kept appearing informing me, "You are beyond your Ucard amount." No, I was not anywhere close to the amount on my Ucard. SO, I exited the program. Turned off my computer, then turned it back on - accessed the United Heathcare Ucard site, again. The exact same messages the 2nd, and later on the 3rd, 4th, & 5th time. As it is the weekend, I thought I'd wait till Monday, March 4th. My anger and frustration brought me back here. No, I have not used one penny of the money on my Ucard. 

Wishing you a fast resolve on your Ucard troubles!!

United - please get back with those of us who are having BIG problems.

Thank you.

Nancy 

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hi Naspeed! We're sorry to hear you’re having trouble with one of our benefit providers. We are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. -Sue J