Healing health care. Together.

The health care system isn't healthy. At UnitedHealthcare, we're committed to improving the health care system. We aim to take what's wrong and make it right.

We know. That's a bold statement. But no one is better prepared to lead a heath care revolution than the strongest, most committed health care company in the nation.

We serve more than 26 million individual consumers. We provide access to high quality care from more than 535,000 physicians and care professionals. And we partner with more than 4,700 hospitals.

That's the strength of the UnitedHealthcare network.

Combine that with our broad offering of consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services, practical online tools for consumers, employers, brokers and physicians and around-the-clock access to support resources.

And that's how UnitedHealthcare can promise simpler processes, smarter solutions and better results for you.

History
Building a better model for health care.

Since our inception in 1977, UnitedHealthcare has worked to help make coverage more accessible for all Americans, to help improve the quality of care and to help individuals take a more active role in their own health and well-being.

Throughout our nearly 40-year history, we've led the health care industry with our innovative, forward-thinking plans, products and services.

Discover how we've innovated over the years to achieve these goals:

1979

• First network-based health plan for seniors introduced.
• Introduction of open access for UnitedHealthcare products becomes industry's first consumer choice option.

1984

• "Non-gatekeeper" model for health care pioneered with Open Access.

1985

• Products expanded to include new HMO and PPO products, plus combination plans and fee-for-service agreements.

1987

• Introduction of mental health/chemical dependency services, workers' comp administration, benefits planning and administration, cost containment and utilization management programs.

1988

• Addition of Medicare programs and pharmacy cost management system.

1990

• Introduction of fully administered benefit plan for self-funded employees.
• United Behavioral Health adds Employee Assistance Program and Options (24-hour counseling service via toll-free telephone access).
• Evercare® program provides on-site nursing home care.
• Electronic claims submission process introduced.
• Addition of United Resource Networks keeps United HealthCare transplant costs among the lowest in the country.
• Introduction of data tapping helps improve quality and outcomes.

1992

• Report Card on access, quality and cost produced.

1993

• First industry Report Card distributed.

1995

• Need for physician referrals eliminated.
• Development of Shared Intelligence, a technology system for processing and responding to health care data.
• Introduction of Care24, a 24-hour help line service giving customers access to health resources over the phone.

1997

• Introduction of United Health Passport® for Medicare offers coverage for individuals traveling or living overseas.

1998

• Introduction of Clinical Profiles, an improved method of gathering and evaluating meaningful clinical data to improve physician practices.
• Disease management programs introduced to help chronically ill people.

1999

• UnitedHealthcare introduces Care CoordinationSM, a program that helps identify and fill gaps in health coverage and administration.

2000

• Launch of myuhc.com®, e-Billing, Predictive Modeling, and Internet portals dedicated to employers, care providers, consumers, and brokers/agents.
• Quality of care enhanced through physician data-sharing protocols.

2001

• Launch of Employer eServices®, a Web-based tool for benefits administration.

2002

• Introduction of Online Enrollment.
• Launch of United eServices, a Web site specifically designed for brokers.

2003

• Introduction of iPlan® Health Reimbursement Account, a new consumer-driven health plan option.

2004

• UnitedHealthcare acquires Golden Rule Health Plans, a pioneer in individual medical savings account products.
• UnitedHealthcare acquires Oxford Health Plans in the Northeast and Definity Health, a leader in consumer-driven health plans.
• Introduction of UnitedHealthcare's first Health Savings Account plan, the iPlan HSA.
• Introduction of UnitedHealth Basics, a product offering core benefits for lower-income and part-time workers.
• Introduction of the UnitedHealth PremiumSM designation program, which evaluates and identifies leading network physicians and hospitals (cardiac only) using quality and efficiency criteria based on evidence-based medicine across a broad spectrum of care.

2005

• Launch of UnitedHealth Wellness, designed to help members through online health improvement programs, discounts, and specialty sessions like weight management and quit smoking programs.
• UnitedHealthcare acquires PacifiCare Health Systems in California, expanding access in the West.
• UnitedHealthcare acquires Neighborhood Health Partnership in South Florida, and John Deere Health Care in the Midwest.
• Introduction of Definity HRA and Definity HSA, a new generation of consumer-driven health plans complete with online tools.