May 12, 2020

Electronic Payment Solutions Update

We know these are unprecedented times for everyone due to the COVID-19 public health emergency and we are working diligently to continue to support your needs. Because of this, UnitedHealthcare will delay our initiative to replace paper checks with electronic payments.

When a revised launch date is determined, it will be announced in an upcoming edition of the Network Bulletin.

Electronic Payment Solutions Rolling Out in 2020

Simplify Your Payments and Join Us as We Go Paperless.

UnitedHealthcare is launching initiatives to replace paper checks with electronic payments throughout 2020 and 2021. As part of those efforts, we are encouraging practices to sign up for electronic payments, specifically by automated clearing house (ACH)/direct deposit.

The commercial line of business will begin transitioning May 1, 2020. Please be sure to check back often as additional information about the rollout becomes available.

Because this initiative will roll out in phases, you may receive Virtual Card payments (VCP) for some claim payments and check payments for others (if not enrolled in direct deposit).

Why Choose ACH/Direct Deposit?

Direct deposit puts payment directly into your bank account
Easiest and fastest way to get paid
Improved financial control- no paper checks or remittance information to lose or misplace
Ability to track information on online portal

What Does This Mean to You?

If your practice/health care organization is still receiving paper checks, you can enroll in ACH/direct deposit for your claim payments now. If you don’t elect to sign up for ACH/direct deposit, a Virtual Card will be automatically sent in place of paper checks.
If your practice/health care organization is already enrolled and receiving your claim payments through ACH/direct deposit from Optum Pay™ or receiving Virtual Cards, there is no action you need to take.
If you do not enroll in ACH/direct deposit and currently receive your correspondences electronically, your remittance and Virtual Card statement will be available online through Document Vault.

Enroll So You Can Get Paid

Enroll with Optum Pay for direct deposit of your claim payments or, take no action and you’ll receive a Virtual Card in the mail.

Optum Pay is a fully integrated, full service payment and remittance advice solution for all sizes and types of healthcare professionals administered by Optum Bank®.

If you'd rather receive payment through Virtual Card payment, there is no action to take.

Questions?

We know you may have questions about each payment method and we want to help make this an easy transition for you. Please contact your UnitedHealthcare representative or Provider Service Advocate for more information.

Important Information for Providers:

Credit card processing fees may apply to Virtual Cards. Please reach out to your merchant processor or financial institution for information on specific terms and costs.
Processing your Virtual Card indicates your consent to receive and accept Virtual Card payments as payment in full from the payer.
Unspent funds for Virtual Cards are subject to state unclaimed property laws.
Out-of-Network providers in Florida, New Mexico, New York and Oregon as well as all Colorado providers, have to consent to receive a Virtual Card payment. The processing of the Virtual Card is your consent to receive it. If you don’t consent, when you receive a Virtual Card, please call the number provided on your Virtual Card payment to arrange an alternative payment method.
You will have the option of signing up for ACH/direct deposit, our preferred method of payment, or to receive a Virtual Card payment (Virtual Card). The only alternative to a Virtual Card is direct deposit. Both of these options allow you to get paid quickly and securely. The electronic payment solutions will roll out in phases throughout the year, with the first phase beginning mid-2020.
If your practice/healthcare organization is still receiving paper checks, you can enroll in ACH/direct deposit for your claim payments now. If you don’t elect to sign up for ACH/direct deposit, a Virtual Card will be automatically sent in place of paper checks.
If your practice/healthcare organization is already enrolled and receiving your claim payments through ACH/direct deposit from Optum Pay™ or receiving Virtual Cards there is no action you need to take.
If you do not enroll in ACH/direct deposit and currently receive your correspondences electronically, your remittance and Virtual Card statement will be available online through Document Vault.
Because this initiative will roll out in phases, you may receive Virtual Card payments (VCP) for some claim payments and check payments for others (if not enrolled for direct deposit).
When you’re paid is determined by when you process your payment on your point-of-sale terminal. However, if you don't have paperless delivery, your Virtual Card will be received five to seven days later in the mail.