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UnitedHealthcare has debuted a direct-to-consumer marketplace on its app and website that allows commercial members to purchase benefits that may not be covered by their employer.
Dubbed the UHC Store, the marketplace is available to 6 million eligible members, with plans to expand to 18 million members by the end of the year.
Discounted health and wellness offerings through the UHC store include weight loss programs, orthopedic management apps and women's health resources, the company said.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
The goal, said UHC, is to mirror what consumers expect from other industries, such as online shopping.
By accessing UHC Store, members may be able to receive discounts on certain health and wellness offerings and can shop to help support their individual and family needs at any time during the year.
UHC projects members will be able to save 15% on certain health, wellness and lifestyle offerings.
"We are developing solutions like UHC Store to drive positive change in the health system and improve people's experience with the ability to supplement their health benefits year-round," Dan Kueter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare's commercial business, said.
At launch, the UHC store will offer everyday health offerings for women's and mental health; family wellness resources and support for pregnancy and family planning; fitness and nutrition offerings, including weight management; and health coordination resources for complex or chronic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
THE LARGER TREND
Due to higher-than-expected medical costs, UnitedHealthcare will exit certain Medicare Advantage plans, the company said in July.
Without giving details of which markets would be affected, UnitedHealthcare CEO Tim Noel said, “Additionally, and unfortunately, given these pressures, we have made the difficult decision to exit plans that currently serve over 600,000 members, primarily in less managed products such as PPO offerings.”
The company is taking similar approaches for its Medicare supplement, Group Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Part D pricing for next year, Noel said during a July earnings call.