United Healthcare, Optum Launch Virtual-first Health Plan

NavigateNOW is being touted as "a simpler, more convenient experience at approximately 15% less premium cost than traditional benefit plans."

UnitedHealthcare is collaborating with Optum to roll out a "virtual-first health plan" in nine markets across the nation that the payer says will provide beneficiaries with greater access to remote and in-person customized care.

Minnetonka, Minnesota-based United is touting NavigateNOW  as "a simpler, more convenient experience at approximately 15% less premium cost than traditional benefit plans."

Enrollees in the new plan will have access to 24/7 care from Optum providers for primary, urgent and behavioral healthcare services, backed by UnitedHealthcare's national network of providers.

They will pay $0 for virtual and in-person primary care and behavioral health visits, virtual urgent care and most generic medications, with unlimited chat, online scheduling and on-demand, same-day appointments.

They will also have access to a wearable device well-being program that incentivizes them to earn more than $1,000 per year by meeting daily activity targets, such as for walking, cycling, swimming and strength training.

Rhonda Randall, MD, CMO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, said the collaboration with Optum provides "a more integrated and coordinated healthcare system that uses technology and personal support to help encourage whole-person health, which may help prevent and detect disease before it starts."

"UnitedHealthcare and Optum will continue working together to modernize our approach to health benefits and care delivery, using technology and data to help make it more convenient for our members to access various types of medical care to support their physical and mental well-being," Randall said

NavigateNOW is offered to employers in Little Rock, Ark.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Pittsburgh; Springfield, Mass.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; Richmond, Va.; Indianapolis; Dallas; and Houston.

The program matches enrollees' health profiles and existing medical conditions with personalized care teams led by a dedicated primary care provider who will coordinate virtual and in-person visits with Optum providers and other providers as needed.

For instance, during virtual primary care appointments, Optum providers will have the ability to connect the UnitedHealthcare member with behavioral health services within the virtual platform as needed to facilitate virtual or in-person behavioral health appointments, including therapy, medication management and additional care coordination with other health services.

Kristi Henderson, CEO, Optum Virtual Care, says the new product is a response to "patients (who) want more options for getting care that is convenient for them and their lives."

"Our work with UnitedHealthcare is designed to help make it simpler for patients and members to interact with their care providers by bringing together our digital resources and national clinical footprint to provide a more seamless, connected experience," she said.