CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Georgia: Review key referral and billing protocols
UnitedHealthcare·GA·Network News
Effective date
Feb 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 13, 2026
Summary
UnitedHealthcare Georgia policy update requires providers to use Member Advance Notice forms before providing non-covered services, restricts out-of-network referrals to emergency situations only, and implements new weight-loss medication authorization restrictions for State Health Benefit Plan members effective February 1, 2026.
Action Required
By February 1, 2026: Billing team must ensure providers complete Member Advance Notice forms before providing any non-covered services to Georgia commercial plan members. Front desk staff must verify network status before scheduling referrals and only allow out-of-network referrals for emergencies. For Georgia SHBP members needing weight-loss medications, direct them to enroll at join9am.com/shbp or call 888-870-9542 as only 9amHealth providers can prescribe these medications.