Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare Insurance

Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare: What You Need to Know

In 1850, Aetna Insurance Company created a fund to sell life insurance. In 1953 the life and health divisions of Aetna separated. The company’s first president was Eliphalet A. Bulkeley. The name “Aetna” was taken from an 11,000-foot volcano in Sicily, Italy, which was also the most active volcano in Europe.

UnitedHealth Group was founded in 1977 by Richard Burke and went public in 1984. It was Dr. Paul Ellwood, who coined the term “health maintenance organization,” and who helped Burke start-up UnitedHealth. In 1979, the company created the first network senior health plan.

To learn more about each company, you can check out the Aetna Overview and UnitedHealthcare Overview.

What is Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Rating?

Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Aetna and UnitedHealthcare ranked among the industry ratings.

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Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Mobile Apps Options

The Aetna Health app allows you to find a doctor in your area and see estimates of what certain procedures may cost. You can also view your benefits, review account balances, and manage your claims. The App is available on ios and Android.

The Health4Me app from UnitedHealthcare allows you look for doctors and review your coverage and benefits.

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Enrollment Process

Aetna

Aetna is available through participating employers. You can also buy an individual or family plan directly from Aetna, the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here.

At this time, Aetna offers Medicare, Medicaid, student health insurance, and international insurance. For individual and family plans, they offer plans through eHealth, which compares rates from several companies for the Affordable Care Act plans, short-term plans, and medical indemnity plans.

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealth Group offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin searching for plans here.

Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.

How to File a Claim with Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Insurance

Aetna

If you use a network doctor or hospital, your claims will be submitted by that provider. If you see an out-of-network provider, you need to submit the claim yourself. You must submit a completed claim form or alternative documentation via fax or mailing address. As an alternative to sending a claim form, supply a description of services, a bill of charges from the provider and any medical documents you received from your provider.

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealth Group pays network providers directly but if you are billed by a provider, you can contact UnitedHealth Group at 1 (800) 328-5979. If you are filing a claim for an out-of-network provider for an emergency or because you were referred to the provider by UnitedHealth Group you must submit the following information

• The Policyholder's name and address.
• The patient's name and age.
• The number stated on your ID card.
• The name and address of the provider of the service(s).
• The name and address of any ordering Physician.
• A diagnosis from the Physician.
• An itemized bill from your provider that includes the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes or a description of each charge.
• The date the Injury or Sickness began.
• A statement indicating either that you are, or you are not, enrolled for coverage under any other health insurance plan or program. If you are enrolled for other coverage you must include the name of the other carrier(s).

The above information should be sent to: UnitedHealthcare P.O. Box 740800 Atlanta, GA 30374-0800

If filing a claim for Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefits, your claims should be submitted to: Optum Rx P.O. Box 29077 Hot Springs, AR 71903

Common Questions About UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Insurance

Aetna

UnitedHealthcare

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Contact Info