UnitedHealthcare’s rapidly growing commercial health plan, Surest, is thriving due to its focus on price transparency and preventive care, as revealed by the payer’s Impact Study. In 2022, Surest saw a significant rise in preventive care visits and a decrease in costly, avoidable care utilization, leading to a remarkable 11 percent reduction in employer costs. Member satisfaction soared, with a 90 percent re-enrollment rate and strong net promoter scores. The plan plans to expand to six more states in 2024. This trend aligns with a broader industry shift towards healthcare price transparency, aimed at rebuilding trust between consumers and health plans.
UnitedHealthcare’s rapidly expanding commercial health plan, Surest, which complies with the Affordable Care Act, has shown impressive results attributed to its emphasis on price transparency and preventive care, according to the findings of the Payer’s Impact Study.
In 2022, Surest witnessed a notable increase in preventive care visits and a decrease in high-cost, avoidable care utilization. Physician visits saw a significant 20 percent boost, preventive physical exams grew by 9 percent, preventive mammograms increased by 15 percent, and preventive colonoscopy rates surged by 34 percent. Simultaneously, there was a 6 percent reduction in emergency department visits, a 13 percent decline in inpatient hospital admissions, and a 5 percent decrease in the total number of surgeries performed. Instead, members increasingly opted for urgent care, leading to a 6 percent rise in urgent care utilization, as well as virtual care services.
Dan Kueter, the Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business, highlighted, “We know people want a health plan that’s simple, easy to use, and helps them select the right care, at the right time, and in the right setting.” He added, “We’re pleased to see that Surest’s innovative plan design, including an intuitive digital experience, is resonating with members and employers.”
As a result of these shifts, employers experienced an 11 percent reduction in the total cost per member per month. Surest consistently maintained a year-over-year medical trend of under 5 percent for three years, resulting in overall employer savings of up to 15 percent. The plan also garnered strong member satisfaction, reflected in a remarkable 90 percent re-enrollment rate and an impressive net promoter score.
In 2024, Surest plans to expand its coverage by introducing fully insured plans in six additional states. Initially available to employers with a self-funded plan for 51 employees or more, Surest’s footprint, before expansion, includes 32 states and territories, including Washington, D.C.
Surest’s commitment to price transparency aligns with a broader trend within the healthcare industry. In response to legislative changes mandating increased transparency regarding healthcare costs, health plans, and hospitals have been enhancing their price transparency tools. A study conducted by AHIP revealed that consumers across the political spectrum support greater transparency in healthcare pricing, opposing hospital monopolies and escalating site-based costs.
The adoption of price transparency tools has gained traction among consumers, with a HealthSparq survey indicating that seven out of ten consumers have access to such tools through their plans, and 67 percent have used them. This move towards transparency aims to rebuild trust in the health insurance system, addressing years of consumer distrust.
In 2022, UnitedHealthcare rebranded its health plan Bind as Surest, signaling its commitment to a more transparent and preventive approach to healthcare.
