Networks change. We verify your specific UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and AARP Medicare Advantage plan before your first visit; call with your member ID and we will confirm benefits, copay and any referral or authorization requirements.
Also appears on cards as: AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC, UHC Medicare, UnitedHealthcare Medicare, Optum Medicare, UHC Dual Complete, AARP UnitedHealthcare.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage carrier in the country, and most of its plans carry the AARP Medicare Advantage name under a licensing agreement with AARP. In Florida and South Carolina, UnitedHealthcare offers HMO, PPO and UHC Dual Complete special needs plans for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Behavioral health benefits are administered by Optum Behavioral Health, so your psychiatry visits are credentialed and paid through Optum even though the card says UnitedHealthcare or AARP. These plans cover outpatient psychiatry, medication management and psychotherapy for a fixed mental health copay, typically with no deductible, and most do not require a primary care referral for behavioral health. PPO members can see out-of-network providers at a higher cost share.
Telehealth mental health visits from home are typically covered at the same copay as office visits for members located in Florida or South Carolina during the appointment. For Deep TMS, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage applies Medicare's criteria for major depressive disorder after failure of at least two antidepressants and a psychotherapy trial, with prior authorization through Optum required on most plans and initial approvals generally covering a standard course. Spravato is covered as a Part B drug with prior authorization through Optum or OptumRx, with documentation of treatment-resistant depression, a concurrent oral antidepressant and REMS-certified administration. Dual Complete members typically pay little or nothing for approved treatment, while other plans set a per-session copay or coinsurance that our staff confirm before scheduling.
What we check before your visit
- Whether your plan is in network at the office you chose and for telehealth
- Your copay or coinsurance for an evaluation and for follow-ups
- Whether a primary-care referral is required (common with HMO plans)
- Prior-authorization criteria for Deep TMS and Spravato, if those are being considered
Frequently asked questions
Does Stedfast Psychiatry accept AARP Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare?
Stedfast Psychiatry accepts many UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Advantage plans, including UHC Dual Complete, in Florida and South Carolina. Because behavioral health runs through Optum, confirm that our providers are listed for your plan in the Optum directory, or ask our front desk to run an eligibility check before you schedule.
What is my copay for a psychiatrist on UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage?
Most plans charge a fixed copay for outpatient mental health visits with no deductible, and Dual Complete members typically pay nothing. Telehealth visits usually carry the same copay as office visits. Your evidence of coverage lists the mental health specialty visit amount, and our staff can confirm it before your first appointment.
Does my AARP Medicare Advantage plan cover telehealth psychiatry?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Advantage plans cover video mental health visits from home at the same cost share as office visits for members located in Florida or South Carolina during the appointment. Telehealth is a good fit for medication follow-ups. Deep TMS and Spravato require in-person visits at the offices that provide them.
How does prior authorization for Deep TMS or Spravato work on these plans?
Requests go to Optum Behavioral Health, which applies Medicare's criteria. TMS requires documented failure of at least two antidepressants and a psychotherapy trial; Spravato requires treatment-resistant depression and a concurrent oral antidepressant. Our team submits through the Optum portal, arranges a peer-to-peer review if needed, and confirms your cost share before scheduling.