UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Confirmed In-Network for New York City Employees PPO Plan
UnitedHealthcare has confirmed that UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus is in network for the New York City Employees PPO (NYCE PPO) Plan, expanding clarity for providers serving New York City employees, pre-Medicare retirees, and their eligible dependents nationwide.
Overview of the NYCE PPO Plan
The NYCE PPO Plan is available across all U.S. states and provides access to a multi-network structure that includes the following:
- EmblemHealth Bridge Program
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus
- Optum Behavioral Health
The plan is designed to offer comprehensive medical and behavioral health coverage to eligible New York City employees and retirees.
Service Areas and Reimbursement Structure
Provider reimbursement under the NYCE PPO Plan depends on the service location and network alignment:
EmblemHealth Bridge Program
Reimbursement rates apply for covered medical services delivered within the following 13 downstate New York counties:
- Bronx
- Duchess
- Kings
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Putnam
- Queens
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Ulster
- Westchester
UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus
Reimbursement rates apply for covered medical services provided throughout the United States, except within the 13 downstate New York counties listed above, where EmblemHealth Bridge Program rates govern.
Optum Behavioral Health
Reimbursement rates apply for covered behavioral health services nationwide, including within the 13 downstate New York counties.
EDI Claims and Payment Information
EmblemHealth Bridge Program, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, and United Behavioral Health share the same Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) payer ID codes. Providers and clearinghouses must ensure the following configurations:
- EDI 837 Claims Submission: Payer ID 26992
- EDI 835 Electronic Payments: Payer ID 39026
Providers are encouraged to confirm their clearinghouse setup to prevent claim processing delays.
Mandatory Use of NYCE PPO Provider Portal
Regardless of network affiliation—EmblemHealth Bridge Program, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, or United Behavioral Health—providers must use the NYCE PPO provider portal for all plan-related transactions.
The portal supports:
- Member eligibility verification
- Claims submission
- Prior authorization requests
- Additional administrative functions
Notably, the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal and the UMR Provider Portal do not provide access to the NYCE PPO plan or member information.
Provider Support and Resources
Providers seeking assistance may contact the following:
- NYCE PPO Provider Services: 844-849-5750
- Payer ID Provider Support Team: 866-678-8646 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET)
Additional guidance is available through the
- NYCE PPO Provider Center and Portal
- NYCE PPO Provider Portal FAQs
- NYCE PPO FAQs
- NYCE PPO Behavioral Health Quick Reference Guide
