Effective June 1, 2015, United Healthcare (UHC) will be introducing its Group Medicare Advantage PPO product in several southern California counties. The California Medical Association (CMA) has learned that contract amendments were mailed on February 24 to over 10,000 currently contracted UHC physician practices in Imperial, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties that the payor intends on including in its provider network for this new product.

The insurer states that the new product, offered exclusively to employer/union group retirees, will offer greater access to a national network of UHC contracted providers.

Physicians who received the amendment will have 30 days from the date of receipt to notify UHC if they wish to opt out of participation in the new product without affecting their underlying United Healthcare contract.

As always, physicians are encouraged to carefully review all proposed amendments to payor contracts. Remember, you do not have to accept substandard contracts that are not beneficial to your practice.

Physicians who are unsure whether or not they are affected by this change, or those who have general questions about the amendment, can contact United Healthcare Network Management at (866) 574-6088.