UCare customer service phone number — Minnesota: how to find, use and get results

Where to find the correct UCare customer service phone number in Minnesota

UCare operates multiple customer-service lines that are specific to product type (Medicare, Medical Assistance/MN Medicaid, MNsure/individual & family), to language needs, and to provider relations. The single most reliable source for the correct, plan-specific phone number is your UCare member ID card and the official contact page at ucare.org/contact. Because numbers vary by plan and county, the number printed on your card is the direct line routed to your case information.

If you do not have your card available, go to ucare.org/contact and choose the section that matches your plan (for example “Medicare,” “Medical Assistance,” or “Individual & Family”); that page lists the correct toll‑free numbers, hours, and whether a special number is available for behavioral health, dental, or pharmacy. When in doubt, use your plan’s member-services link or the secure member portal — these are program‑specific and give faster routing than a general corporate switchboard.

Common UCare phone lines and when to use them

UCare phone lines are organized by function; identifying which line to call before you dial saves time and prevents being transferred multiple times. The most common categories are Member Services (coverage questions, ID cards, benefits), Pharmacy/Prescription Help, Prior Authorization and Claims, Behavioral Health, and Provider Services for clinicians and billing staff.

• Member Services — for eligibility, coverage, ID cards, PCP changes and benefit explanations. Use the number on your member ID or the plan-specific Member Services number on ucare.org/contact.
• Pharmacy & Medication Prior Authorization — for formulary checks, step therapy or specialty-drug authorizations; have the prescription name, NDC or prescriber info ready. Pharmacy lines are often staffed separately and may be available 24/7 for urgent issues.
• Claims & Provider Relations — for providers or billing departments disputing a claim; calls should include the claim number, date(s) of service, billed amount, and provider NPI or tax ID.

Because UCare serves Medicare, Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medical Assistance/MN Medicaid), and individual-market members, calling the wrong category can add 15–45 minutes to your call. Always confirm the plan name (for example, “UCare Medicare Advantage” vs “UCare Medical Assistance”) at the start of the call so your agent pulls the correct files.

Best practices when calling UCare in Minnesota

Preparation substantially reduces call time and increases the chance of an immediate resolution. Have your member ID number and date of birth ready, and keep any reference numbers from prior calls or letters. If you are calling about a claim or bill, note the claim number, the provider’s name, the date of service, billed amount, and any explanation of benefits (EOB) codes appearing on statements.

• Documents to have ready: member ID card, photo ID (if requested), claim or EOB, provider name/NPI, date(s) of service, billing amount, prescriber name and prescription details, and any prior-authorization or referral numbers.
• Record-keeping tips: write the date/time of the call, name and ID of the representative, and any confirmation or reference number. If UCare gives a promised resolution time, note that and follow up if the deadline passes.

Ask for escalation or a supervisor if you receive contradictory information or if a promised action hasn’t occurred. In Minnesota, documented escalation inside the plan is a prerequisite for many external review or regulatory complaint processes, so create a clear paper trail during the phone interaction.

Accessibility, interpreters and TTY services

UCare is required to provide language services and auxiliary aids at no cost to members. If you or a family member require an interpreter, request one at the start of your call and note the language requested. For TTY users and those needing telecommunications relay, dial 711 (the nationwide Telecommunications Relay Service) to connect and then provide the UCare number or request a call-back through the member portal.

Video Relay Services for American Sign Language and written translation services for other languages are generally available by request. If you run into barriers obtaining interpreters or auxiliary services during a phone call, document the interaction and escalate internally; if unresolved, file a complaint with Minnesota’s Department of Human Services at mn.gov/dhs or request an external review.

Appeals, grievances and external escalation — timelines and steps

If UCare denies a service, prior authorization, or a coverage request, you can file an internal appeal with the plan. Typical health-plan practice (consistent with federal and state standards) is that a standard internal appeal decision must be provided within 30 calendar days, and an expedited (urgent) appeal within 72 hours when delay could seriously jeopardize life or health. Ask the representative to confirm the exact deadline and the method (phone, letter, secure message) they will use to communicate the decision.

If an internal appeal does not resolve the issue, Minnesota members can request an external review or file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov/dhs) or contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce (commerce.state.mn.us) for market products. Keep all appeal confirmation numbers and send any supporting documents by certified mail or through the secure member portal to create a verifiable record.

Online, in-person and alternative contact methods

Use ucare.org and the UCare member portal or mobile app to view claims, download ID cards, submit documents for appeals, and send secure messages. Secure messaging often yields a written audit trail that’s useful for disputes and can be faster than phone routing for non-urgent requests. For in‑person assistance, check ucare.org/contact for local community office addresses and hours — these locations often provide enrollment help, caseworker appointments, and document drop-off.

When phone access is limited, consider emailing through the secure portal, submitting documents by fax (if permitted for claims or appeals) or sending certified mail for time-sensitive appeals. Always verify postmarks and save fax transmission receipts to support your timeline if you later need to escalate to state regulators.