Remote Physiologic Monitoring (also known as RPM or remote patient monitoring) is a way for you to use technology to monitor your health at home and share important health data directly with your doctor. Your doctor can then adjust care plans or medication based on that data. Since 2019, this approach has become more common for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, allowing care teams to track progress without requiring more frequent office visits.
The purpose of this article is to inform you about an upcoming policy update from UnitedHealthcare regarding remote monitoring coverage for Medicare Advantage plans that may affect UnitedHealthcare beneficiaries in certain Medicare plans. UnitedHealthcare is updating coverage for some services in 2026. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you continue to receive the care you need.
Starting in 2026, UnitedHealthcare is adjusting its Medicare Advantage coverage for remote monitoring services. The new policy focuses UHC RPM coverage on covering specifically heart failure and hypertension during pregnancy. In the policy update, UHC cited studies that reported that remote monitoring for conditions other than those wasn’t as effective as other treatments, as a reason for their change.
This update is related to the specific billing codes that healthcare providers use when they review the data (like blood glucose levels or blood pressure readings) that patients send from home. While policies will still likely cover the devices that providers prescribe, policies may not cover the time spent reviewing and monitoring the data from those devices.
It’s important to understand that this does not necessarily mean all remote monitoring will stop. Instead, it means the way these services are covered by UHC plans is changing. This may affect the availability or out-of-pocket costs for RPM services used for conditions other than those specified.
This update is most relevant to UnitedHealthcare members who currently use RPM devices (like a connected glucose monitor or blood pressure monitoring device) that automatically send data to their doctor for conditions other than heart failure or pregnancy-related hypertension.
It may also affect members who were considering starting RPM services for other chronic conditions.
Being proactive is the best way to manage this upcoming change. Here are the steps you should take.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
This is your most important step.
2. Review Your Plan Documents
When your new plan documents for 2026 become available, review them carefully. Look for terms like “remote physiologic monitoring” or “telehealth services” to understand your specific benefits.
3. Contact UnitedHealthcare
For the most accurate information about your specific plan and these telehealth coverage changes, contact UnitedHealthcare member services directly. You can find the right phone number on the back of your UHC insurance card.
Healthcare technology and insurance policies are always evolving. While changes like this can feel uncertain, staying informed and maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare provider are the best ways to ensure you continue to receive the best possible care for your condition
Navigating insurance changes can be confusing, especially with updates like these changes to Medicare Advantage 2026 plans. If you have questions about your Medicare plan options and how they cover services like remote monitoring, our licensed insurance agents are here to help you understand your benefits.
Disclaimer: Coverage details can vary significantly by your specific plan, state, and provider. This article is for informational purposes only. You must confirm all coverage details directly with your healthcare provider and insurance carrier.
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