-

UnitedHealthcare and Optum Take Action to Support People Affected by Ongoing Wildfires in Western States

  • Assistance for UnitedHealthcare plan participants whose access to care or prescriptions needs may have been affected
  • Free emotional-support help line from Optum open to anyone

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the health benefits and services companies of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), are taking action to help people affected by the ongoing wildfires across parts of California, Oregon, Washington and several other Western States.

Support includes assisting health plan participants who may need to make alternate arrangements to access care and early prescription refills, as well as offering a free emotional-support line for people who might be affected.

  • Help finding a network care provider, early refills and more: Plan participants who need help finding a care provider in the UnitedHealthcare network, obtaining early prescription refills or have other needs can call customer care at the number located on the back of their health plan ID cards.
  • Download the UnitedHealthcare app for health plan ID cards and more:
    • Members with a smartphone can download (at no additional cost) the UnitedHealthcare app, which may provide them with on-demand access to their member ID card, details about their prescription medications, network providers, account information and more.
    • The app also enables eligible plan participants to directly schedule and conduct a Virtual Visit with a doctor* or arrange a callback from a UnitedHealthcare customer service advocate.**
    • The app is available now for download for Android®™ and Apple® devices to people enrolled in eligible UnitedHealthcare health benefit plans.
  • Free Help Line: Optum, a leading health and behavioral health services company, is offering a free emotional-support help line.

    The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Specially trained Optum mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.

    Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health care company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on Twitter.

* Additional out-of-pocket costs may be required for telemedicine services depending on the plan and any applicable state requirements.

** Most UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plan participants have access to the callback feature.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Lisa Contreras
(520) 444-6600
lisa_contreras@uhc.com

UnitedHealth Group

NYSE:UNH

Release Summary
UnitedHealthcare and Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, are taking action to support people affected by wildfires in the Western United States.
Release Versions

Contacts

Media Contact:
Lisa Contreras
(520) 444-6600
lisa_contreras@uhc.com

More News From UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) today reported third quarter 2026 results and raised guidance for full year 2026. “Our third quarter results reflect the discipline and execution our teams are bringing to every part of our business, as we continue evolving UnitedHealth Group to deliver a simpler, more supportive experience for patients and the clinicians who care for them,” said Stephen Hemsley, chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group. The company now expects full year 20...

UnitedHealth Group Announces Addition to Leadership Team

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) today announced Jodee Kozlak will join the company as chief administrative officer, effective Sept. 28, 2026. In this newly created role, Kozlak will help drive enterprise modernization and alignment efforts supporting the company's businesses, people and partners. Kozlak will lead a portfolio that initially includes People, Real Estate, Procurement and Corporate Security. “Jodee brings exceptional experience across business strategy, organizati...

UnitedHealth Group Announces Earnings Release Date

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealth Group will release its third quarter 2026 financial results on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, before the market opens....
Back to Newsroom