United Health Care?

[Belleweather]

Any Minneapolitans work at UHC, or know someone who does? What can you tell me about it? I have a decent -- but not astoundingly great -- offer to relocate our family there, and I'm trying to decide whether to take it or not. I'd love any inside insight about the company.

[Tine]

I'm just one person, so PLEASE don't base your decision just on what I'm saying. But....

I've heard terrible things about UHC as an insurance provider. My mom had them for awhile, and she said they seemed to be doing everything they possibly could to avoid paying claims. Classic give-you-the-run-around-till-you-give-up stuff. I've heard similar things from other people.

The company is also embroiled in a couple of major lawsuits and has a very bad reputation among healthcare providers. (See the Wikipedia entry on United Health Group.)

But I don't know if any of this affects what it's like to work for UHC.

I do, in fact, know someone who works there (my sister's best friend). But I'm not...um...sure she'd give you any straight talk on the company.

[CCChanel]

I've heard that working for the admin side of UHC is tough. Make sure you are really getting a 40hr work week if that is what you are expecting. I'd take a tour of your office and get a feel for the vibe. Do people seem happy? Or is there a depressed/dull 'tone'?

Have never heard what it is like working as Dr or nurse for UHC though.

[Belleweather]

I've been working in health insurance for years, so the whole "reasonable and customary" thing doesn't phase me so much -- although I prefer working for non-profit insurers they aren't exactly thick on the ground.

Thanks for the hints on the hours. I'll see if I can pin people down a little more on that issue... I've got a great 40 hour week thing going at my current job and certianly don't want to be working any MORE than that, no matter how good they promise to be for my career.