Reputation grade
B
Peer-relative, A–F
Insurer profile · UnitedHealth Group · NAIC + CMS
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare's complaint record, claim-denial rate and reputation grade, drawn from published NAIC complaint data and CMS Transparency in Coverage.
- B
- Reputation grade
- 1.12
- Complaint index
- 50
- States active
The verdict
UnitedHealthcare earns a B reputation grade — a better-than-average record versus peers, its NAIC complaint index runs 1.12, near the 1.0 market average.
- B
- reputation grade
- 1.12
- NAIC complaint index
Grades are peer-relative within PlainInsurer's dataset. A high complaint ratio is not proof of wrongdoing — larger insurers draw more complaints by volume, which the index normalises.
NAIC complaint data Grade B 50 states NAIC #71286
NAIC complaint index
1.12
1.0 = market average; lower is better
Confirmed complaints
2,847
across 50 states
Reputation grade B (composite score 67.5) — A=Excellent, F=Failing. Based on NAIC complaint ratios and CMS denial data.
Where UnitedHealthcare sits on complaints
NAIC complaint index vs the market average and the dataset range (1.0 = market average; lower is better)
- Best in data 0.23
Lowest complaint index in PlainInsurer's dataset: 0.23
0.23 complaint index
- Market avg 1
Market average complaint index = 1.0 (NAIC benchmark)
1 complaint index
- UnitedHealthcare 1.12
UnitedHealthcare: complaint index 1.12
1.12 complaint index
- Worst in data
Highest complaint index in PlainInsurer's dataset: 3.87
3.87 complaint index
What this shows UnitedHealthcare's complaint index of 1.12 is 12% above the 1.0 market average for a carrier of its size.
Complaint record by line of business
| Line | Confirmed complaints | Complaint index | States active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance (Individual) | 2,847 | 1.12 | 50 |
Medicare Advantage — prior authorization
PA Requests
2,100,000
PA Denial Rate
6.3%
Appeals Filed
19,845
Appeal Overturn Rate
72.0%
Contract: H0028 · Plan type: HMO · View all MA plans →
What the data shows for UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, carries a B reputation grade in PlainInsurer's dataset, with a composite score of 67.5 (higher means more consumer friction relative to size). Its NAIC complaint index of 1.12 sits above the 1.0 market average, meaning policyholders escalate more disputes to regulators than is typical for a carrier of its premium volume.
UnitedHealthcare does not appear in the CMS marketplace claim-denial file, which covers individual-market health issuers — common for auto, home and life carriers. For Medicare Advantage, 6.3% of prior-authorization requests were denied, with 72.0% overturned on appeal. The carrier reports activity across 1 line of business.
The practical implication: complaint and denial data give a comparative view of how UnitedHealthcare treats policyholders relative to peers, but they cannot predict your individual claim experience. Compare the grade against named alternatives in your state, and weigh price, coverage terms and state licensing before any purchase. Source: NAIC Consumer Information Source complaint data (2024).Reputation grade computed by PlainInsurer from public NAIC data — see methodology.
Use this data wisely. Complaint and denial figures reflect regulatory filings, not individual claim outcomes. A high complaint ratio is not proof of illegal behaviour. This page is informational and is not financial, legal, or insurance advice — verify coverage decisions with your insurer or a licensed agent.
Frequently asked questions
What does UnitedHealthcare's grade mean?
UnitedHealthcare received a grade of B, indicating a better-than-average record versus peers. PlainInsurer grades insurers on a curve relative to the ~200 carriers in our dataset, using the NAIC complaint index (normalized by premium volume) and Medicare Advantage prior-authorization data where available.
How many complaints does UnitedHealthcare have?
UnitedHealthcare has 2,847 confirmed complaints on record across 50 states, based on published NAIC complaint data. Raw counts favour smaller insurers — PlainInsurer uses the complaint index (complaints relative to premium volume, where 1.0 is the market average) to compare carriers fairly.
How do I file a complaint against UnitedHealthcare?
Contact your state's Department of Insurance — every state has an insurance commissioner's office that accepts consumer complaints online, by phone, or by mail. The NAIC also runs a central complaint portal at naic.org. Document your policy number, claim number, dates, and the specific issue before filing.
Is UnitedHealthcare a good insurance company?
It depends on your coverage needs, state, and budget. PlainInsurer's B grade reflects a better-than-average record versus peers relative to peers. Always compare quotes from multiple carriers and check complaint data for your specific state and line of coverage.
What types of insurance does UnitedHealthcare offer?
Based on NAIC filing data, UnitedHealthcare reports activity in 1 line of business: Health Insurance (Individual). Availability varies by state.
What to do with this
How to act on UnitedHealthcare's complaint and denial record.
- Compare this carrier side-by-side with another before you buy. Compare insurers
- See how every insurer in your state ranks on complaints and denials. Browse by state
- Understand how the complaint index compares carriers fairly. Read the guide
Complaint ratios normalise by premium volume so larger carriers are not penalised for writing more policies.
Source: NAIC published complaint index data Complaint index, reputation grade for UnitedHealthcare · 2024 NAIC complaint index aggregates state-DOI consumer complaints, normalized against premium volume (1.0 = market average). Denial rates from CMS Transparency in Coverage PY2025. Reputation grade is PlainInsurer's peer-relative methodology applied to this public data.
Data: NAIC published complaint index (2024) · CMS Medicare Advantage analysis (CMS OIG OEI-09-22-00380, KFF 2023). Not affiliated with NAIC or CMS. Read our methodology.