Massachusetts: 2026 D-SNP updates for Senior Care Options, One Care members

Includes integrated card/Subscriber IDs with new policy numbers and revised prior authorization and claim submission processes

On Jan. 1, 2026, several Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) updates took effect for health care providers who serve UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care members. The updates are detailed below:

New integrated UCard/Subscriber ID with updated policy numbers

• Massachusetts D-SNP plans will now see a single UCard with a Subscriber/Member ID 
  • Previously, Massachusetts had a single Member ID number that represented both Medicare and Medicaid 
• When looking up plan eligibility, pay close attention to the Subscriber or Member ID 
• Select the Multiple Policies option when searching and select the policy from the dropdown
• The UCard may be used for both policies but can only be viewed if the Medicare policy is selected
• Review the Eligibility and Benefits guide for more details

Prior authorization process

• All prior authorizations tied to the old Subscriber ID ended on Dec. 31, 2025
• For services continuing into 2026, a new prior authorization was automatically created under the new policy number
  • Example transition
    • Old authorization: Dec. 15, 2025–Jan. 14, 2026 (old Subscriber ID valid through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • New authorization: Jan. 1, 2026–Jan. 14, 2026 (issued under the new Subscriber ID)
• Access current and past prior authorizations in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal > Prior authorizations 
• For complete instructions, view our guide > select View existing submissions/Decision IDs and update from the menu > select Dual eligible (D-SNP) plans and continuation of care information

Claim submission requirements

• Split claims for services spanning December 2025–January 2026
  • For December dates of service: Submit a claim using the old Subscriber ID and old authorization number
• For January 2026 dates of service:
  • Claims billed with the old Subscriber ID will be denied due to inactive coverage
  • You must submit corrected claims using the updated Subscriber ID