UnitedHealthCare Services Inc.
05/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2024 08:46
Surest health plan eliminates deductibles and helps lower the total cost of care
If you think the health care system is too complicated and due for an overhaul, you may be pleasantly surprised by the UnitedHealthcare Surest® health plan, which is designed to help simplify care by providing upfront cost and coverage information.
"This is a common-sense approach created by listening to what people want and then giving it to them," said Alison Richards, CEO of the Surest health plan for UnitedHealthcare. "When people hear the details, they often ask, 'So, what's the catch?' I'm happy to say there isn't one."
What's different with the Surest health plan?
For starters, your benefits work for you immediately. There's no deductible to chip away at and no coinsurance to worry about paying weeks after receiving care.
"With many traditional plans, these charges can be financial barriers to care for some members, and they're often just confusing," Alison said. "We removed them from the plan to simplify things and help people - and employers - save money."
Eliminating deductible and coinsurance charges has helped clarify coverage for people enrolled in the Surest plan. For one large employer, 82% of members reported a better understanding of their Surest plan compared to their previous health plan.1
The other differentiator: Upfront pricing
Using the Surest app or website, consumers can consider the cost of their care options in advance and review variable copays, which may help people select quality, high-value care providers and facilities. This upfront pricing also helps avoid billing surprises that, with a traditional health plan, might show up weeks or months after a service or procedure.
The result is that members may be able to pay 54% less out of pocket and receive more effective treatments from quality care providers, as determined by national standardized measures.
"The Surest health plan addresses many of the obstacles that consumers face, including by eliminating complicated math with clear, upfront cost and coverage details," Alison said. "The plan enables choice and flexibility that can fit personal needs and lifestyles."
Employers can also save with a Surest plan. A recent third-party study, conducted by leading global professional services firm Aon, found the Surest health plan led to lower claim costs exceeding $400 per member per year.2 Sustained savings were reported for people of all ages and with various chronic conditions, including:
12% lower costs for the treatment of migraines
11% lower costs for mental health, including mood disorders
10% lower costs for anxiety
8% lower costs for back pain
7% lower costs for diabetes
People who've tried the Surest plan usually like it
Consumers cite ease of use, price clarity and cost savings as some of the top advantages. According to the study, savings were driven by lower medical and pharmacy spending, including fewer outpatient surgeries (12% lower) and laboratory tests (7% lower), as well as savings on emergency room visits (10% lower). At the same time, there was a 30% increase in telehealth use, helping provide improved access and convenience for health care services.
"The plan's innovative design, including an intuitive digital experience, variable copays and upfront cost and coverage information, is helping promote health equity while enabling consumers to more frequently select the right care, at the right time and in the right setting," said Dan Kueter, CEO of the UnitedHealthcare commercial business.
UnitedHealthcare is now offering the Surest plan to employers
With self-funded health plans nationwide and is available to employers in 38 states with fully insured plans that include 51 or more employees.
For more information, visit Surest.com.