UCare Customer Service Number — Expert Guide
This guide explains where to find the correct UCare customer service number, how to prepare before you call, what different phone lines handle (Medicaid, Medicare, commercial), and practical escalation options when an issue is unresolved. The content is written from the perspective of a health-plan operations professional who has worked with member-contact centers and provider relations for over a decade. It focuses on actionable steps and exact pointers you can use immediately.
Where to find the correct customer service number
The single most reliable source for your UCare customer service number is your UCare member ID card. The back of the card lists the member services number for your specific product and region — for example, the number for Medicare Advantage members can differ from the number for Medicaid (MHCP) members or employer group plans. If you do not have your card, visit the official site at ucare.org and open the “Contact Us” or “Member Services” page; those pages display phone numbers by plan type and language options.
UCare assigns numbers by product and service type (member services, provider services, appeals/complaints, and the nurse/clinical advice line). If you are unsure which number to use, search ucare.org for your plan name (e.g., “UCare Medicare” or “UCare MnSure”). For members with hearing or speech disabilities, use the standard relay code TTY 711 where a TTY number is indicated. Always verify the number you call by matching it to the ID card or the contact page to avoid third-party scams.
Typical UCare phone lines and what they handle
UCare operates multiple specialized lines so calls route to staff trained in that plan. Typical lines include member services (enrollment, benefits, copay/coinsurance questions), prior authorization and utilization management, appeals and grievances, and a 24/7 clinical advice or nurse line. Business hours for non-clinical lines often follow local business hours — commonly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT on weekdays — while nurse lines and urgent clinical advice are typically staffed 24/7.
- Member Services: Use the number printed on your UCare member ID card for eligibility, claim status, ID replacement, and benefit verification; have your member ID ready (12–16 digit number).
- Claims/Provider Services: Providers should use the provider relations number shown on the provider portal; typical documentation requested: NPI, tax ID (EIN), and claim numbers.
- Appeals & Grievances: Call the appeals number on your plan materials to file an expedited or standard appeal; timelines: standard appeals often reviewed within 30 days, expedited appeals within 72 hours (verify exact timelines for your plan).
What to prepare before you call
Preparing your documentation shortens call time and improves first-call resolution. Before dialing, assemble: your UCare member ID card, date(s) of service, provider name and location, claim numbers (if applicable), and any authorization or denial letters you received. If you are calling about billing or prior authorization, have the exact CPT/HCPCS codes or the provider’s itemized statement on hand.
- Essential information: member ID (12–16 digits), date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number (if requested for verification), and a clear summary of the issue with dates and dollar amounts.
- For appeals: photocopies or digital scans of denial notices, medical records, test results, and a one-page chronology that states why you believe the decision should be reversed.
Alternative contact channels
If phone hold times are long, UCare offers online and written alternatives. Members can log in to the secure member portal at ucare.org to view claims, download ID cards, send secure messages, and sometimes initiate appeals. Many plan documents also include a mailing address for written grievances and a fax number for medical records; when sending records, include a cover sheet with member ID and the specific request to ensure proper routing.
For immediate clinical questions, use the 24/7 nurse advice line referenced in your plan materials or on ucare.org — clinical lines tend to be faster than general member services for urgent symptom triage. If you prefer in-person help, UCare lists community outreach locations and scheduled enrollment events on ucare.org/events, where in-person staff can provide phone numbers and handouts specific to your county and plan.
Escalation, complaints, and tracking outcomes
If initial contact does not resolve your issue, ask the representative for a reference or ticket number and the expected timeframe for resolution. Make note of the agent’s name, the date and time of the call, and the exact wording used to describe next steps. For consumer protection, file a formal grievance or appeal if a covered service is denied; UCare’s appeals procedures must follow state and federal timelines — track submissions and request written confirmations by email or mail.
When escalation is necessary, request to speak with a supervisor or the appropriate department (utilization management for denials, provider relations for billing disputes). If internal escalation remains unresolved after the plan’s timelines, contact your state’s Department of Health or Insurance Consumer Services — in Minnesota, for example, the Department of Commerce handles health plan consumer complaints and publishes contact instructions on commerce.state.mn.us.
Practical closing tips and a short call script
Keep interactions concise and evidence-focused. Typical productive call length is 8–15 minutes when you have supporting documents ready and use a clear script. If you anticipate needing follow-up documentation, ask the representative for a secure fax number or a specific secure message subject line to ensure the documents attach directly to your case.
Sample opening script: “Hello, my name is [Full Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], member ID [###########]. I’m calling about a denied claim for [service] on [date]. The claim number is [#####]. Can you confirm eligibility and tell me the reason for denial and what documentation you need to reprocess this claim?” End the call by requesting a reference number and the next-step timeline, and log those details immediately for your records.