How to get UnitedHealthcare options ppo?
Short answer
Insurance question
You can get a UnitedHealthcare Options PPO plan through your employer's benefits enrollment, by purchasing an individual plan on the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state exchange) if UHC PPO plans are available in your area, or through Medicare Advantage enrollment. Availability and plan options vary by location.
This is an independent research summary, not official coverage information. Your plan is the final word.
Key facts
PPO plans allow you to see specialists without a referral and have some out-of-network coverage; HMO plans generally require referrals and restrict care to the network.
ACA open enrollment for individual plans typically runs November 1 through January 15 for most states.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year.
Here's the nuance
A one-liner rarely tells the whole story. This is the honest detail behind the short answer above.
UnitedHealthcare Options PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization plan — a plan type that gives you the flexibility to see in-network providers at lower cost-sharing, while also allowing you to go out-of-network (at higher cost) without needing a referral. This flexibility is one of the main reasons people seek out PPO plans over HMO plans, which require referrals and generally restrict care to network providers.
There are several ways to obtain a UHC Options PPO. The most common is through an employer: if your employer offers UnitedHealthcare as one of its health plan options and includes a PPO tier, you enroll during your company's open enrollment period each year, or when you first become eligible (new hire window). Your employer's HR or benefits team can confirm which UHC plan designs are offered.
If you are self-employed or purchasing individual coverage, UnitedHealthcare sells plans through the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange) during the annual open enrollment period, typically running from November 1 through January 15 for most states. Whether a UHC PPO specifically is available depends on your state and county — UHC's Marketplace footprint varies by region. You can also enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a child.
For Medicare-eligible individuals, UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage PPO plans (under its AARP Medicare Advantage and other branded products) during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period. To find which UHC PPO plans are available in your ZIP code, visit uhc.com or healthcare.gov, enter your location, and filter by plan type. Speaking with a licensed insurance broker who works with UHC can also help you compare available PPO options.
The key points
The handful of things that decide the answer — skim these if you only read one section.
Through your employer is the most common path
If your employer offers UnitedHealthcare and includes a PPO option, you enroll during your company's annual open enrollment or new-hire window. Check with your HR or benefits team for available plan designs.
ACA Marketplace for individual/self-employed coverage
Visit Healthcare.gov or your state exchange during the annual open enrollment period (typically November through January). UHC PPO availability varies by state and county — filter by plan type when comparing options.
Medicare Advantage PPO for eligible individuals
UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage PPO plans for Medicare-eligible individuals. Enroll during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
PPO plans let you see providers without a referral
A key advantage of UHC Options PPO over UHC HMO plans: you can see specialists and out-of-network providers without a referral from a primary care doctor. In-network providers cost less; out-of-network costs more but is generally still covered.
Availability varies by location
UnitedHealthcare does not offer every plan type in every state or county. Use the UHC plan finder at uhc.com or Healthcare.gov to confirm whether an Options PPO plan is available in your area.
Confirm before you rely on this
Coverage varies by plan — this is not official
Coverage rules, benefit tiers, and medical-necessity criteria change often and differ by plan type, state, employer, and your specific policy. This page is a general, independent research summary — it is not official information from any insurer, not a benefits determination, and not financial or insurance advice.
Verify your exact coverage by calling the member number on your insurance card or checking your plan documents before you rely on any answer here.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — if UHC offers individual Marketplace plans in your area, you can purchase one through Healthcare.gov or your state exchange. You can also work with a licensed independent insurance broker who carries UHC plans. Note that individual-market UHC PPO availability varies by state and county, so check what is available in your ZIP code during the open enrollment window.
With a UHC PPO plan, you can see any in-network provider without a referral, and you have some coverage for out-of-network providers (at higher cost). With a UHC HMO plan, you typically need a primary care physician referral to see a specialist, and out-of-network services are generally not covered except in emergencies. PPO plans typically have higher premiums; HMO plans typically have lower premiums and stricter network rules.
For employer-sponsored plans: during your company's annual open enrollment period or when you first become eligible. For individual Marketplace plans: during the ACA's annual open enrollment (typically November 1 through January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event. For Medicare Advantage: during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period.
PPO plans generally provide better out-of-state and out-of-network coverage than HMO plans. Most UHC PPO plans cover out-of-network care at a higher cost-sharing level, which can be useful when traveling or temporarily living in another state. Emergency care is covered at the in-network level under ACA rules regardless of location. Confirm your specific plan's out-of-area benefits in your Summary of Benefits.
Visit uhc.com and use the plan finder tool, entering your ZIP code. You can also go to Healthcare.gov and filter by plan type during open enrollment. If your employer offers UHC, ask your HR department for a list of available plan types. A licensed insurance broker who works with UnitedHealthcare can also walk you through available PPO options in your area.
Reviewed by
Curex Editorial TeamReviewed for accuracy
Last reviewed July 2026
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Read moreYour plan has the final say
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This page is independent research, not a benefits determination — your insurer's answer is the one that counts.
This content is for general informational purposes only. It is not official coverage information, a benefits determination, or financial or insurance advice. Coverage rules, benefit tiers, and medical-necessity criteria change often and vary by plan, state, and effective date — always verify your specific benefits directly with your insurer before making any decision.