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Our Approach
UnitedHealth Group's top priority throughout the pandemic has been the health, well-being and safety of our employees, our communities and the people we serve. We have updated our workplace health approach to focus on addressing and preventing all transmissible respiratory illnesses—including COVID-19 and the flu—based on evidence-based science, the changing nature of the virus and the development of multiple treatment options.
As part of this evolution and based on CDC guidance, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for employees working in non-clinical sites. Employees are welcome in non-clinical workspaces, to attend team meetings and events, and to travel on behalf of the company, regardless of vaccination status.
These changes are for employees working in non-clinical sites only. Employees working at or visiting clinical sites or providing in-person care, must continue to follow existing COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements to protect our most vulnerable patients.
Making the Rounds
In this episode, UnitedHealth Group’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Ethan Berke answer your questions about the double threat of COVID-19 and flu. They discuss the best ways to keep our families and communities healthy.
Do you have questions about COVID-19, UnitedHealth Group’s
approach, vaccination, masking or more?
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death. UnitedHealth Group follows CDC recommendations. Please check the CDC website for additional information.
Update your vaccination status or request an exemption below.
Masking Guidance
Masks are required for colleagues who work in clinical, care delivery and common areas of mixed-use sites (i.e., sites with both care delivery and administrative functions present).
We welcome masks at our non-clinical facilities, but they are not required. Self-assess your risk, and consider whether you or the people you care for are at high risk for severe illness. The CDC recommends masks when community risk levels are high. Visit the CDC's COVID Data Tracker to find out what the risk level is in your community this week. Refer to CDC's Understanding Your Risk for more information.
COVID-19 Exposure
If you have been exposed to COVID-19:
- Follow guidelines based on your work location.
- California Employees – California Guidelines (Note: CA Patient-Facing Employees see High Risk Settings section)
- Puerto Rico Employees – Puerto Rico Guidelines
- All Other Patient-Facing Employees – CDC Guidelines for Health Care Personnel
- All Other Employees – CDC Guidelines
- Get tested for COVID-19.
- Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms occur, leave the worksite. Seek care as needed.
COVID-19 Testing Options
A COVID-19 diagnostic test is the only way to rule out an active infection. The following are options for getting tested:
- Contact your local pharmacy.
- See your health care provider.
- Visit a local testing site.
- Order a COVID-19 test from the Optum Store.
Recent updates to federal guidelines may allow you to purchase COVID-19 tests at little or no cost during the national public health emergency. Click for more information on UnitedHealthcare plans. Reimbursement details may vary, depending on your specific plan.
Positive COVID-19 Test
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 AND potentially exposed others (including colleagues, customers, clients, members, etc.) at work or at a work-related event or meeting, open a case with EOHS (only U.S.-based employees, including Puerto Rico).
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of potential exposure to others:
- Stay home and do NOT report to a worksite.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek care as needed.
- Communicate with your manager about your ability to work.
- Isolate and determine return to work date based on your situation, using the links below:
- California Employees – California Guidelines (Note: CA Patient-Facing Employees see High Risk Settings section)
- Puerto Rico Employees – Puerto Rico Guidelines
- All Other Patient-Facing Employees – CDC Guidelines for Health Care Personnel
- All Other Employees – CDC Guidelines
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
If you are showing any of these warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion.
- Inability to wake or stay awake.
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Get In Touch
If you have questions about your health or are experiencing symptoms, contact a Health Care Advisor: 800-357-1371
Questions about your benefits, work policies or other HR questions? Contact Employee Center/HRdirect.