2025 Updates to the UnitedHealthcare UCard: Key Changes and Information

The UnitedHealthcare UCard (member ID) makes it less complicated for Medicare Advantage members to access their benefits and programs to benefit from their plan services. The following are some UCard updates for 2025.

Individual Medicare Advantage plans

• Starting Jan 01, 2025, the primary care provider’s (PCP) name and phone number might be eliminated from a few UCards. This change will affect the most open access to HMO, POS, and PPO plans.
• The PCP’s name and phone number will continue to be displayed on most referral plans.
• UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans that have delegated risk preparations will keep showing the delegated entity’s name at the front of the UCard if preferred by means of the delegated entity.
• Review the UCard PCP Information Removal.
• Payer ID is shifting to the front of the UCard.
• Some UCards have converted from a device-readable bar code to a magnetic stripe for in-shop purchases or spending rewards. However, providers don’t want those capabilities to provide clinical, dental, prescription, vision, or hearing services to the member.

Medicare Group Advantage plans

• In 2025, UCard is expanding to a pilot program for Medicare Group Advantage customers (400 participants in 25 enterprise businesses, inclusive of TRS and ERS in Texas).
• Starting Jan 01, 2025, impacted individuals will receive their redesigned UCard. All other participants will continue to provide the standard UnitedHealthcare member ID card.

Other Things To Bear In Mind

• UCard does not need to be activated to confirm eligibility or offer care services to contributors.
• UCard can not be used for member out-of-pocket costs, along with copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
• You can download a duplicate of the member ID card while you verify eligibility and benefits inside the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal.

For additional information, make sure to visit the official website of UnitedHealthcare.