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CareSource vs. UnitedHealthcare Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare CareSource and UnitedHealthcare side by side.
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 Written & Edited by Fran Majidi Fran MajidiFran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i... Read more |
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CareSource vs. UnitedHealthcare: What You Need to Know
In 1989, CareSource was founded on the premise of providing quality health care coverage for Medicaid consumers. Today it offers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. CareSource also offers private health insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, including Medicare Advantage and MyCare Ohio plans. CareSource has more than 1.9 million members across five states. The company employs about 3,800 people and is considered a nonprofit organization.
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 CareSource Overview and UnitedHealthcare Overview.
What is CareSource and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how CareSource and UnitedHealthcare ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | CareSource | UnitedHealthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1977 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 2.5 stars (out of 5) | 4.5 stars (out of 5) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 7.17% |
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Pros & Cons of CareSource or UnitedHealthcare
Pros
CareSource
- CareSource is one of a few options that lower-income, underserved communities have for a managed health plan.
- Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
UnitedHealthcare
- Robust health plans and benefits for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
- Marketplace plans for individuals and families that do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
- Popular mobile app makes it easy to stay on top of your account.
- UnitedHealth is available in all 50 states.
Cons
CareSource
- CareSource has a high number of complaints.
UnitedHealthcare
- Plans are in general more expensive than those of other health insurance providers.
CareSource and UnitedHealthcare Mobile Apps Options
The CareSource app allows you to view your digital ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.
The Health4Me app from UnitedHealthcare allows you to look for doctors and review your coverage and benefits.
| CareSource Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4 | 1K users |
| Android | 3.3 | 397 users |
| UnitedHealthcare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4.5 | 10.1K users |
| Android | 4.6 | 16,316 users |
CareSource and UnitedHealthcare Enrollment Process
CareSource
CareSource is available through the health insurance marketplace by searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes here.
Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Also, remember that CareSource only covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia, and West Virginia.
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 CareSource and UnitedHealthcare Insurance
CareSource
CareSource accepts claims in various formats, including paper and electronic claims. Reimbursement is based on the prevailing state Medicaid or Medicare fee schedule. With Marketplace Plans, you can make claims inquiries at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia). Visit your app or www.caresource.com to find the right claim forms for the state in which you live.
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 CareSource Insurance
CareSource
What pharmacy accepts CareSource?
You can find a pharmacy using the CareSource app or your state’s CareSource state page. For Ohio members can Find a Pharmacy here.
Does CareSource cover CT scans?
CareSource covers CT scans if you have prior authorization from your network healthcare provider, like a primary care physician or specialist.
Is CareSource a PPO or HMO?
CareSource offers both PPO and HMO health plans.
Does CareSource pay for glasses?
If you choose to add on the optional CareSource Dental, Vision and Fitness Plan, your annual eye exam and eyeglasses are covered, up to a maximum amount each year.
UnitedHealthcare
What is UnitedHealth Group?
UnitedHealth Group is an American for-profit managed health care company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They offer a wide variety of health plans for individuals and businesses. They also offer Medicare and Medicaid.
What Are UnitedHealth Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage is Medicare Part C, which replaces original Medicare Parts A and B and is administered through a private insurer. Medicare Advantage plans offer some benefits that Original Medicare does not. UnitedHealth also offers special Medicare Advantage plans for patients with Alzheimer’s or chronic dementia.
Is UnitedHealth the same as UnitedHealthcare insurance?
Yes, in 1998, the company rebranded and changed the name UnitedHealthcare insurance to UnitedHealth Group.
What is UnitedHealth insurance coverage for Individuals and Families?
If you don’t have health insurance through an employer, you can buy private insurance for yourself and/or your family with UnitedHealth insurance. For health insurance rates visit here and fill out a brief form.
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CareSource and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Contact Info
| CareSource Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Phone | 1 (937) 224-3300 |
| Website | https://www.caresource.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/CareSource/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU8XjYqtJ-0 |
| https://twitter.com/caresource | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresource/ | |
| UnitedHealthcare Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 1459, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1459 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 328-5979 |
| Website | https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/groups/uhgemployees/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedHealthGroup |
| https://twitter.com/UnitedHealthGrp | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitedhealth-group/ | |
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
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