Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Partd Uhc topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters press board on Part D stabilization and report problems with UnitedHealthcare service
Summary
During public comment, members of the RPIC asked what will happen to UMP premiums if CMS ends the Part D premium stabilization demonstration and urged the board to maintain the $183 subsidy; another commenter described repeated prior‑authorization denials and provider network problems with UnitedHealthcare.
Two members of the retiree/public advisory group raised concerns during public comment: one asked about the federally provided Part D premium stabilization demonstration and its effect on UMP premiums; another described customer‑service and prior‑authorization problems with UnitedHealthcare.
Aruna Buta (RPIC, Spokane) asked about the end of the CMS Part D premium stabilization demonstration: "When that demonstration ends in 2027, hopefully, we will get some good numbers. What will happen to the UMP premium?" Agency staff replied that the presented rates reflect the high‑water mark without continued CMS reductions and that if CMS does not continue the demonstration the UMP rates would remain as presented. Aruna urged the board to keep the explicit subsidy at least at the $183 level and not decrease it.
Matt Burchan (RPIC member) described navigational challenges and denials he experienced and observed with UnitedHealthcare, saying even informed consumers face incorrect information from customer service and prior‑authorization denials; he reported that some providers (physical therapists and chiropractors) have left United's network because of reimbursement issues. He asked the board and agency to help typical United plan members navigate the more complex environment compared with UMP or Medigap products.
Staff acknowledged the questions, said they would monitor CMS announcements about the demonstration later in summer, and noted they track enrollment movement after open enrollment to learn whether members shift among carriers.
