CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Choice Plus membership is growing in Illinois, Indiana
UnitedHealthcare·IL, IN·State news
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Feb 1, 2026
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, NECA-IBEW Welfare Trust Fund members now have access to the Choice Plus network in Illinois and Indiana. Providers can begin treating these new members immediately without any special setup, but should use the UnitedHealthcare Shared Services Provider Portal (administered by UMR) for benefits verification, eligibility checks, and prior authorization requirements.
Action Required
Immediately: Front desk staff should begin verifying benefits for new NECA-IBEW Welfare Trust Fund members through the UnitedHealthcare Shared Services Provider Portal administered by UMR (not the standard UHC portal). Review member ID cards for specific contact information on medical utilization management services including prior authorization requirements. No changes to billing software or encounter forms are needed.