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UnitedHealth Group Encourages San Francisco Area Medicare Beneficiaries to Choose a Part D Plan That Best Meets Their Needs Before May 15 Deadline

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 May 2006, 15:01 CDT

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH):

-- More than 30 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Enrolled in Medicare Part D

-- More than 80,000 seniors in San Francisco area enrolled in a UnitedHealth Group Part D plan

-- Overwhelming majority of Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with their Part D plan

More than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the San Francisco area now receive affordable prescription drug coverage through Part D plans offered by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). Nationwide, almost one-third of those who enrolled in a prescription drug program did so through UnitedHealth Group.

"We are pleased that so many Medicare beneficiaries in the San Francisco area have taken the time to understand the value of Part D and put their trust in our plans," said Tom Paul, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Ovations, the UnitedHealth Group business devoted to serving Americans age 50 and older. "More than anything we are pleased that more than 30 million Medicare beneficiaries now receive affordable prescription drug coverage through Part D, and that the vast majority are satisfied with their plan."

"Medicare beneficiaries in San Francisco who have not yet signed up to receive affordable prescription drug coverage through a Part D plan should do so before the May 15 deadline," said Paul. "People who have already enrolled in a Part D plan are realizing substantial savings, and surveys show that most people who have signed up say their efforts to understand the plans and enroll are worth it."

-- A Kaiser Family Foundation survey shows that more than 80 percent of enrolled seniors reported no problems getting their prescriptions filled.

-- A Washington Post-ABC News poll found that among those who have enrolled, three-quarters said the paperwork was easy to complete and nearly two-thirds said the program saved them money.

-- A study by the Lewin Group, a health care research firm, found that previously uninsured patients now enrolled in Part D were saving an average of 58 percent on their prescriptions.

Medicare beneficiaries who need help choosing a Part D plan that best meets their individual needs should contact Medicare. The Medicare Helpline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). It is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. (TTY/TDD users call 1-877-486-2048). Information is also available online at www.medicare.gov.

For help with questions about eligibility for help with costs of a Part D plan Medicare beneficiaries should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-325-0778). Information is also available online at www.ssa.gov.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making health care work better. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through six operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, Uniprise, Specialized Care Services and Ingenix. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves approximately 70 million individuals nationwide. Learn more about UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com.

About Ovations

Ovations responds to a full range of health and well-being needs for people over age 50. Its diverse and comprehensive array of products and services includes Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap offerings, private-fee-for-service plans, independent living services, special need and hospice services, prescription drug coverage, medical supply services, and group retiree solutions and insurance plans for pre-Medicare retirees ages 50 to 64.

Source: Business Wire

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