FAQs

Why did Optum choose to invest in AcquiredEntity? [Pull answer from Close Communications Plan]

How does being part of Optum benefit AcquiredEntity? [Pull answer from Close Communications Plan]

How does being part of Optum benefit AcquiredEntity’s customers? [Pull answer from Close Communications Plan]

Organizationally, where will I fit into the UnitedHealth Group enterprise? You will be part of the Optum Health business within Optum, the health services arm of UnitedHealth Group.

When will AcquiredEntity be fully integrated and what does that mean? Integration is a multi-step process and AcquiredEntity and Optum leadership are already working together to identify opportunities for alignment and collaboration. Integration does not occur all at once – it is completed in phases (e.g., HR/people, clinical programs, technology) and varies based on business needs. The first step is the people and payroll systems integration, which is scheduled for IntDate. You will be updated as the timing for additional phases gets defined.

Will this change how AcquiredEntity operates? You may experience operational changes over time as AcquiredEntity and Optum come together. Our focus remains on providing quality care to those we serve and we may evolve our strategy, look for opportunities to share best practices, and improve our tools and processes now that we have the capabilities and strengths of both organizations.

Will this change my role and responsibilities? Roles and responsibilities are anticipated to remain the same. Over time, they may evolve with the needs of the organization as part of our normal course of business.

Are there plans to eliminate jobs? There are no plans to eliminate positions as a result of this integration. As always, if business needs change in the future, all positions are subject to review.

Will my current work schedule change? No. Work schedules will continue to be set by your local leaders.

Will my manager change as a result of people integration? Organizational change is anticipated to be minimal because of this transition. Affected team members will be notified as soon as possible if there are changes.

Will the AcquiredEntity leadership team remain in place? The AcquiredEntity leadership team is a core asset and Optum/UnitedHealth Group plans to continue to leverage their expertise leading up to and after integration.

What is the People Team? That’s the term UnitedHealth Group uses to describe its Human Resources (HR) team.

How are integration decisions made? To ensure good collaboration and partnership, representatives from AcquiredEntity are included in the various workstreams, which includes an Oversight Team and an Executive Steering Committee. In addition, UnitedHealth Group has an established governance model to guide the relationship, define priorities, and make critical decisions.

Will I receive credit for my years of service with AcquiredEntity? And, if I previously worked at a UnitedHealth Group company, will I receive credit for that service? Yes, to both. You will receive credit for your combined years of employment at AcquiredEntity and any prior years of employment with UnitedHealth Group and any of its affiliates.

Where is UnitedHealth Group headquartered? UnitedHealth Group is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. Team members are based in company facilities and work remotely around the world.

Will I need to relocate? No. There are no current plans to change where you work and/or move or consolidate offices.

Will there be a change to our dress code? No. Local leadership will continue to establish dress code guidelines.

Will my email address and/or phone number change? For most team members, no, although you may receive a new email and/or phone number at some point in the future.

What happens to the AcquiredEntity brand? For now, AcquiredEntity and its regional brands will remain intact because of the company has a distinguished brand with an excellent reputation in the market.

What is the UnitedHealth Group culture like? The UnitedHealth Group enterprise is committed to building a culture where we are fueled by our Mission, living our Values and delivering Quality to each other and every person we serve. The Mission across the UnitedHealth Group enterprise is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Our six core Values — Integrity, Compassion, Inclusion, Relationships, Innovation and Performance — give us a shared understanding and a set of expectations around how we can fulfill our purpose and deliver a quality experience in service of our Mission. To learn more, visit the Connecting to Culture page.

What is people integration and when is it happening? People integration is scheduled for IntDate. This is when you’ll transition to UnitedHealth Group people (HR) and payroll systems. It’s also referred to as the payroll integration date or simply the transition date. Integration and transition are used interchangeably.

What are some tasks I’ll need to complete as part of people integration? You will need to consent to a background check, submit a new Form I-9, enroll in elected benefits, and complete several other onboarding tasks, including enrolling in direct deposit and completing new tax withholding forms. Throughout the people integration period, you will receive regular communications that will update you on the things you’ll need to complete and outline important deadlines.

When will I know more about the people integration and what I need to do? You will receive regular updates from Optum once people integration gets closer that will keep you informed about steps you need to take. You’ll also be invited to live virtual benefits education and orientation sessions in the months leading up to integration to learn more about the benefits, systems and tools you’ll have access to once you integrate.

Do I have to complete a background check? One of the steps the UnitedHealth Group enterprise takes to maintain our reputation for honesty and integrity and keep our workplaces safe is to conduct background investigations on all new team members, including those in acquired companies who are integrating. Your background check will be completed in partnership with our third-party vendor, HireRight. It will include a criminal search, verification of your Social Security Number, a national sex offender registry check, a healthcare sanctions check and any other necessary screens, such as a licensure check if your role requires a professional license or certification.

What happens if something is flagged in my background check? Any adverse reports (criminal hits, etc.) on a background check are reviewed by an internal team to determine next steps. If any action is required, someone from the integration team will contact you directly.

Do I have to complete a new Form I-9? Company policy — in alignment with federal law — requires all U.S. team members who transition to new employment complete a new Form I-9. You'll hear more about the completion process before you need to take action. To prepare, review the Lists of Acceptable Documents and begin to gather your original and unexpired documentation.

How does UnitedHealth Group onboard team members, including those who integrate into the enterprise? You will be invited to log in to New Employee Connect (NEC), a self-service onboarding tool, to securely access employee information and complete certain tasks prior to the IntDate integration. You’ll also be invited to a virtual orientation session so you can learn more about the systems and tools used across the enterprise.

Will my benefits change? At the time of integration, you’ll be eligible for UnitedHealth Group-sponsored plans. Until then, your benefits — including your medical, dental and vision plans — will remain as is.

What are my new benefit options and when can I enroll? Upon integration, you are eligible for new benefits with the UnitedHealth Group enterprise and will have an opportunity to enroll after integration. You will have access to several resources that will help you explore the new benefits so you can better understand what’s available to you and your family. You’ll also be invited to benefits education, which will likely take place in general timing.

Will there be a gap in my coverage? No. Your new coverage — if elected during the initial enrollment period — will begin once your current coverage with AcquiredEntity ends.

What if I’d rather have coverage under my spouse or domestic partner’s benefits? Ordinarily, you may not change elections mid-year. However, the IRS allows, and most plans permit, exceptions to this rule for certain qualifying life events, including a “change in coverage under another employer plan.” The IntDate integration date is typically considered a qualifying event by other employer-sponsored plans. Please contact your spouse or domestic partner’s benefits administrator to confirm.

Will a 401(k) plan be offered? Yes, you will be eligible for a new 401(k) plan with an employer matching contribution. You will be automatically enrolled at a pretax contribution rate of 3% of eligible pay as of your second UnitedHealth Group-administered paycheck, but you can elect a different contribution level or opt out from contributing. Please note: You will not be able to access your new 401(k) account at Fidelity, the Plan's record keeper, until the Tuesday after integration.

Does UnitedHealth Group offer banking services? Yes, you have access to the UnitedHealth Group Credit Union. This full-service financial institution offers accessible, not-for-profit banking services to help you and your family achieve your goals and build financial confidence. Some of the benefits of banking with the credit union are outlined below.
 

• Enhanced direct deposit (payroll direct deposits up to two days early)
• High interest-bearing checking and savings accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees
• Mortgage discounts and competitive rates for home, auto and student loans
• Free, expert financial advice
• Access free SavvyMoney credit scores, reports and monitoring

Can I join the UnitedHealth Group Credit Union now or do I need to wait until after people integration? Yes, you and your family members are eligible to join at any time. To learn more or become a member, visit uhgcu.org/newhire.

How will UnitedHealth Group and Optum support my career growth and professional development? UnitedHealth Group is committed to fostering a culture of growth and development among employees. Post-integration, you'll have access to several career development resources, opportunities and a larger network and you'll be able to map your own career journey with support from your manager.

Is tuition reimbursement offered? Yes. When you have been employed for at least six months (including your service at your current organization) and are scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week (contractors, temporary employees and employees on a leave of absence are not eligible), you may qualify for up to $5,250 of education reimbursement per calendar year for approved coursework in accredited programs.

Does UnitedHealth Group reimburse team members for fees associated with required licenses and certifications? When a license or certification is required by the company as a condition of employment, 100% of the license or certification is reimbursable. Team members must pay these fees and request reimbursement through the appropriate expense reimbursement process.