
Optum, Inc. is an American healthcare company that provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. Optum is not an insurance plan but a group of doctors who contract with most major health insurance plans, including HMOs, PPOs, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Optum was formed as a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group in 2011 by merging UnitedHealth Group's existing pharmacy and care delivery services into a single brand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of company | Health services and innovation company |
| Services | Technology services, pharmacy care services, direct healthcare services |
| Parent company | UnitedHealth Group |
| Number of employees | 133,000+ |
| Insurance accepted | Most major health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and supplement plans |
| Insurance provided | No, but contracts with more than 1 million physicians and care professionals |
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What You'll Learn
- Optum is not an insurance plan, but a group of doctors that contract with most major health insurance plans
- Optum accepts most health maintenance organization (HMO) plans
- Optum accepts most preferred provider organization (PPO) plans
- Optum accepts Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and supplement plans
- Optum is dedicated to improving the health of people and communities, and simplifying the healthcare experience

Optum is not an insurance plan, but a group of doctors that contract with most major health insurance plans
Optum is not an insurance plan. Instead, it is a group of doctors who contract with most major health insurance plans. These include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans. Optum was formed in 2011 as a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, which has two distinct business platforms: Optum and UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to simplifying the healthcare experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers.
Optum, on the other hand, is a leading health services and innovation company with a global presence. It combines technology, data, and expertise to improve the delivery, quality, and efficiency of healthcare. Optum collaborates with hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, employers, health plans, government agencies, and life sciences companies to address their most complex challenges and meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
As a healthcare company, Optum provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. OptumHealth, OptumInsight, and OptumRx are the three main businesses that comprise Optum. OptumRx, for example, is a pharmacy benefit manager that joined Optum in 2015.
In terms of insurance, Optum accepts most major health insurance plans. However, it is important to verify with your insurance company to ensure that your specific plan is accepted by Optum. This is because the accepted plans may vary by office location. By calling your chosen Optum clinic or your insurance company, you can confirm whether your plan is accepted and whether you can see an Optum doctor.
Optum is committed to creating a better healthcare experience by bringing together all parts of the healthcare system. They aim to provide simpler, more effective, and more affordable care that adapts to the unique needs of each patient. This includes supporting both patients and doctors with advanced techniques, approaches, and insights to make the best decisions for their health.
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Optum accepts most health maintenance organization (HMO) plans
Optum is a leading health services and innovation company that provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. It is dedicated to making the health system work better for everyone by improving the delivery, quality, and efficiency of healthcare. Optum collaborates with all participants in healthcare, including hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, employers, health plans, and government agencies, to create a healthier world.
As a group of doctors who contract with most major health insurance plans, Optum accepts most health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. HMO plans allow individuals to choose a medical network and a primary care doctor to oversee their care. Optum accepts a wide range of HMO plans, including those from United Healthcare, Humana, Tricare, and Aetna. These plans may vary by office location, so it is recommended to call the desired Optum office to confirm acceptance of a specific HMO plan.
In addition to HMO plans, Optum also accepts preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans. PPO plans offer a larger network of doctors for an individual's care without the need for a referral. Optum's acceptance of a diverse range of insurance plans ensures that individuals have access to their services and can make informed choices about their healthcare options.
It is important to note that Optum is not an insurance plan itself but rather a group of doctors who contract with various insurance plans. Individuals should always verify their eligibility and coverage with their insurance company before selecting a provider to ensure that the provider participates in their specific plan. Optum provides resources and support to help individuals navigate their health insurance options and make the best decisions for their healthcare journey.
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Optum accepts most preferred provider organization (PPO) plans
Optum is a leading health services and innovation company that provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. It is dedicated to making the health system work better for everyone by improving the delivery, quality, and efficiency of healthcare. Optum is not an insurance plan, but it does contract with most major health insurance plans, including Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
PPO plans offer a larger network of doctors for your care without requiring a referral. Optum accepts most PPO plans, but it is important to note that this may vary by office location. To confirm if a specific Optum clinic accepts your PPO plan, it is recommended to call the clinic directly. Additionally, you can contact your insurance company to verify your eligibility and coverage and ensure that Optum participates in your plan.
Optum's goal is to create a unified system that offers growth, affordability, and digital strategies to provide the lowest possible cost of care. They bring together all parts of the healthcare system to deliver simpler, more effective, and more affordable care. This includes connecting patients with solutions and services through employers, health plans, and providers. Optum also provides financial health benefit account options to help individuals maximize their benefits.
By combining technology, data, and expertise, Optum strives to improve the healthcare experience and make it easier to navigate. They offer a wide range of health benefit programs and services, including primary care, mental health support, medication delivery, and more. Optum is committed to putting patients at the center of everything they do and creating a healthier world.
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Optum accepts Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and supplement plans
Optum, an American healthcare company, provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. Optum accepts Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans from over 100 insurance companies across the country.
Original Medicare, provided by the federal government, includes Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice or end-of-life care. Part B covers doctor visits, preventive services, X-rays, and other tests. Original Medicare typically does not cover medicine or additional services such as dental, vision, or hearing care.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is offered by insurance companies. It combines Parts A and B and often covers medicines, dental, vision, and hearing care. Medicare Advantage plans provide a network of primary care doctors and specialists to choose from. These plans have an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses.
Optum works with local licensed insurance agents to help individuals choose a Medicare plan accepted by their doctors. Optum's doctors accept many kinds of Medicare plans, making it easier for individuals to select the most affordable option for their needs.
Supplement plans, also known as Medicare Part D, help cover the cost of medicines. These plans can be added to Original Medicare to provide additional coverage for prescription drugs.
Optum is committed to providing simpler, more effective, and more affordable care by connecting patients with solutions and services through employers, health plans, and providers.
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Optum is dedicated to improving the health of people and communities, and simplifying the healthcare experience
Optum is an American healthcare company that provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services. Optum was formed in 2011 as a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, which is its parent company. Optum's mission is to create a healthier world, with its patients at the center. They aim to deliver simpler, more effective, and more affordable care by bringing all parts of the healthcare system together. Optum accepts most major health insurance plans and works with employers, health plans, and providers to connect patients with solutions and services.
Optum's full-spectrum pharmacy services provide affordable access to prescription medications and therapies. They simplify how consumers, clients, and partners navigate the pharmacy space to deliver improved experiences, better health outcomes, and lower costs. Optum uses advanced data and technology, deep clinical experience, and professional partnerships to make healthcare smarter and simpler. They work with local communities to remove barriers and provide equal access to quality care.
Optum has been involved in several acquisitions and mergers to expand its healthcare technology services and care services offerings. In 2013, Optum partnered with the Mayo Clinic to launch OptumLabs, a health data initiative. In 2015, Optum acquired MedExpress, an urgent care and preventative services company, and Surgical Care Affiliates, a provider of ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. In 2017, Optum's revenues surpassed $100 billion for the first time, making it UnitedHealth Group's fastest-growing unit at the time.
Optum has faced some criticism and legal issues. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have accused Optum and other major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) of engaging in anticompetitive practices that harm competition and raise drug prices. Additionally, in 2019, Optum was involved in a lawsuit against former executive David William Smith, who left the company to join Haven, a competitor healthcare venture. Despite these controversies, Optum remains dedicated to improving the health of people and communities and simplifying the healthcare experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Optum is an American healthcare company that provides technology services, pharmacy care services, and various direct healthcare services.
No, Optum is not an insurance plan. It is a group of doctors who contract with most major health insurance plans.
Optum accepts most major health insurance plans, including HMOs, PPOs, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans.
You can check your insurance card to see what type of plan you have. You can also call your chosen Optum clinic or your insurance company to verify if your plan is accepted.
Optum provides a range of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health support, pharmacy services, and more. They aim to bring all parts of the healthcare system together to deliver simpler, more effective, and more affordable care.
































