UnitedHealthcare has added new access options to its Health4Me app for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries in 17 states.
Health4Me, which first launched three years ago for members of employee-sponsored health plans, helps users navigate their health plan. The app offers several features that help users find physicians or pharmacies nearby, check the status of a claim, manage prescriptions, or estimate their health care costs.
“We know consumers nationwide use mobile devices to access health information, so Health4Me provides a significant resource for Medicaid beneficiaries to help them more easily understand, manage and use their health benefits,” Brett Edelson, vice president of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid business, said in a statement. “We are empowering consumers with valuable, personalized health information that enables them to more effectively navigate the healthcare system and access clinical support anytime, anywhere.”
Depending on what type of user is interacting with the program -- Medicaid beneficiaries, member of an employer-sponsored health plan, or non-UHC member -- the app will highlight different features.
Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries can access health plan details, including a digital ID card, plan summary, and member handbook; track processed claims and review their history of care; locate nearby physicians, hospitals, or medical facilities; and access a nurse line. Participants of employer-sponsored health plans have access these features, but can also pay medical bills with their credit card, debit card, health savings account, or bank account; track physical activity from connected health devices; and stream content from UHC.TVSM, an internet TV channel with health and wellness information.
The consumer log-in allows users to find healthcare facilities in their area and compare prices for 755 medical services across 500 episodes of care so they can better estimate their healthcare expenses and access quality and cost information. Correction: A previous version of this article had old figures for the number of facilities and episodes of care featured in the app.
According to UnitedHealthcare, Health4Me has been downloaded more than 1.4 million times since it launched in 2012.
