What is the primary purpose of eligibility verification before providing services to a UnitedHealthcare member?

• A. To confirm active coverage, plan benefits, and enrollment status so the service is covered and properly billed.
• B. To verify premium payments and billing cycles.
• C. To confirm the provider's licensure and credentialing.
• D. To assess patient satisfaction and service quality.

Answer: (A)

Verifying eligibility before delivering care ensures that a UnitedHealthcare member has active coverage, understands what benefits apply to the requested service, and has current enrollment status so the service is covered and billed correctly. This step helps prevent claim denials and unexpected out-of-pocket costs by confirming coverage details, any preauthorization requirements, and the member’s cost-sharing. It’s not about premium payments, provider licensure, or patient satisfaction—those involve other processes and aren’t the primary purpose of eligibility verification.