TOPICS
Where can I download the Member Guide?
Where can I get a summary of my benefits?
How can I contact Member Services?
How does the SMS Text Messaging Service Work?
What are the Member Services hours?
Where can I go to pay my monthly contribution (for employers)?
How can I get replacement ID card?
How do I get pre-authorization?
If I become unemployed, how do I find information on continuing my health coverage?
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD THE MEMBER GUIDE?
You can download the Member Guide here.
This guide, available in English and Spanish, provides you with a complete overview and helpful information to better understand your health benefits. Please note: This guide is not intended to act or serve as a Summary Plan Description. Refer to the UnitedAg Summary Plan Description as well as your Schedule(s) of Benefits for the details of your health plan.
WHERE CAN I GET A SUMMARY OF MY BENEFITS?
If you have health coverage through your job or your spouse’s/partner’s job, the employer’s health benefits administrator will give you a summary of your benefits.
If you need further assistance, contact our Member Services team at 800.223.4590 or email memberservices@unitedag.org. A representative can send you a summary of benefits.
HOW CAN I CONTACT MEMBER SERVICES?
If you have questions regarding your health benefits or need assistance finding a provider, or have other concerns, our Member Services Team can be reached in the following ways:
- CALL our Member Services line at 800.223.4590.
- EMAIL memberservices@unitedag.org.
- TEXT message your inquiry to:
- English 949.594.0788
- Spanish 949.524.4877
Learn more about our SMS Text Messaging service.
HOW DOES THE SMS TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE WORK?
We offer SMS text messaging as another option to access benefits-related information. The new text messaging option will provide expedited service to simple benefit inquiries. With a response time of under 2 minutes, our Member Services team will answer frequently asked questions.
Simply send a text message to the following phone number in your preferred language:
English 949.594.0788 Spanish 949.524.4877
Common inquiries that can be answered via SMS text messaging:
- General Information / Questions
- EOB request
- Eligibility verification
- Provider directories
- Plan benefits Pharmacy
Learn more about our SMS Text Messaging service.
WHAT ARE THE MEMBER SERVICES HOURS?
Member Services & SMS Text Messaging Service Hours
Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, closed
These hours may be impacted by holidays. Please check the Contact page for updated hours.
WHERE CAN I GO TO PAY MY MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION (FOR EMPLOYERS)?
If you are an employer, you can visit billpay.unitedag.org to make a monthly contribution payment. Please note that all members will need to re-enroll for this new service, even if you were previously enrolled for online payments (prior to January 23, 2023).
Download Payment Portal User Guide
If you need assistance regarding online payments, please contact UnitedAg Billing at billing@unitedag.org or call 800.223.4590.
HOW CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT ID CARD?
If you need a duplicate or additional Health ID card, you can view and print one by logging into your account on our Health Portal at unitedag.org/healthportal. A digital or printed card is identical to a plastic ID card.
If you’re having trouble, contact our Member Services team at 800.223.4590 or email memberservices@unitedag.org for assistance.
HOW DO I GET PRE-AUTHORIZATION FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE OR A MEDICATION?
For Medical
All in-patient hospitalizations (non-emergency admissions and elective scheduled surgeries) require pre-admission authorization. Also, Emergency admissions must be reported within 48 hours, or the next business day if the admission occurs on a holiday weekend. Failure to properly notify could result in a reduction of paid benefits.
- For pre-authorization in California, contact Blue Shield of California at 800.541.6652.
- For outside of California, please call Blue Cross Blue Shield at 800.541.6652.
For Prescriptions
Some medications require prior authorization. More information about which drugs require prior authorization is available in your prescription formulary. On the formulary, medications that require prior authorization for coverage are marked with “PA” next to the medication. Your physician submits the prior authorization request on your behalf. Costco Health Solutions will review the prior authorization request within 48 hours of receiving complete information from your physician.
If you need a one-time authorization, contact our Member Services team at 800.223.4590. They will assist you with a one-time exception override while your medication prior authorization is processed through Costco Health Solutions.
IF I BECOME UNEMPLOYED, HOW DO I FIND INFORMATION ON CONTINUING MY HEALTH COVERAGE?
Contact your previous employer's health benefits administrator and tell them you are interested in enrolling in COBRA coverage. You may be eligible to continue your group health plan coverage on a temporary basis. This coverage is only available when your other health plan coverage is lost due to specific events.
WHAT IS THE MEMBER ADVOCATE SERVICE AND HOW DO I ACCESS IT?
The Member Advocate Service is designed to work directly with our members to help resolve a wide range of health care and insurance related issues. Advocates serve as a liaison with health care providers, network partners and health related community services. They stay involved until all issues are completely resolved and are also available to address any follow-up needs.
Our Member Advocates are experts that can assist you in resolving your healthcare issues. Save time by contacting us at 800.223.4590 or email memberadvocate@unitedag.org to get started.
