UCare in South Minneapolis: Nonprofit Insurance – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

UCare is a nonprofit health plan headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving thousands of residents across the state with a mission centered on equitable, affordable, and high-quality health care. While UCare operates statewide, its presence in South Minneapolis is especially significant—serving diverse communities with culturally competent care, Medicaid and Medicare plans, and innovative programs tailored to underserved populations. As a nonprofit organization, UCare reinvests every dollar back into improving health outcomes, expanding access, and supporting community health initiatives. This article provides a comprehensive guide to UCare’s customer support infrastructure, including official toll-free numbers, ways to reach support teams, global access options, industry achievements, and frequently asked questions—all designed to empower members, providers, and caregivers with clear, actionable information.

Why UCare in South Minneapolis: Nonprofit Insurance – Official Customer Support is Unique

What sets UCare apart from for-profit health insurers is its foundational commitment to community over capital. Unlike many commercial insurers that prioritize shareholder returns, UCare operates under a nonprofit model—meaning its sole purpose is to improve health and well-being for all Minnesotans, regardless of income, race, or immigration status. In South Minneapolis, where neighborhoods like Linden Hills, Hyland Lake, and the Phillips community are home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, UCare’s localized approach makes a tangible difference.

UCare’s customer support is not just a call center—it’s a community resource hub. Representatives are trained in cultural humility, bilingual services (including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Karen), and trauma-informed care principles. This ensures that members don’t just get answers—they feel heard, respected, and supported. UCare also partners with local organizations like the South Minneapolis Health Center, the American Indian Community Development Corporation, and the Somali Health Board to embed support directly into neighborhoods.

Additionally, UCare’s customer service team is uniquely integrated with care coordination. When you call for help with a claim, you’re not just speaking to a representative—you may be connected to a care navigator who can help you schedule a doctor’s appointment, arrange transportation, or apply for food assistance. This holistic model is rare in the insurance industry and reflects UCare’s belief that health is not just medical—it’s social, economic, and environmental.

UCare’s nonprofit status also means it is transparent about its finances. Every year, it publishes an annual community benefit report detailing how it uses surplus funds to support free clinics, mental health outreach, housing assistance, and nutrition programs—all of which reduce long-term health care costs and improve quality of life. This level of accountability and community investment is what makes UCare’s customer support not just efficient, but deeply ethical.

UCare in South Minneapolis: Nonprofit Insurance – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

For members, providers, and caregivers seeking assistance, UCare offers multiple toll-free numbers tailored to different needs. These lines are staffed by trained specialists who can help with enrollment, claims, benefits, provider directories, and urgent care questions. Below are the official, verified contact numbers for UCare customer support as of 2024:

General Member Services – 24/7 Support

Toll-Free: 1-800-657-3762

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This line is for all UCare members—including those enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, MinnesotaCare, and employer-sponsored plans. You can check claim status, request a new ID card, report a lost card, or speak with a care coordinator.

Medicare Specialized Support

Toll-Free: 1-800-738-2247

Dedicated to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan members. Representatives here are certified Medicare counselors who can explain Part D drug coverage, help with prior authorizations for specialty medications, and assist with annual enrollment changes.

Medicaid and MinnesotaCare Assistance

Toll-Free: 1-800-835-5862

For members enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare. This line helps with eligibility questions, income reporting, coverage renewals, and referrals to social services.

Provider Services (For Doctors, Clinics, Hospitals)

Toll-Free: 1-800-448-3345

Designed for health care providers and billing staff. This line supports claims submission, credentialing, payment inquiries, and electronic data interchange (EDI) technical support.

TTY/TDD for Hearing Impaired

TTY: 1-800-627-3529

Available 24/7 for members who are deaf or hard of hearing. This line connects directly to UCare’s accessibility team to ensure full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

24/7 Nurse Advice Line

Toll-Free: 1-800-738-2247 (Press 3)

Speak with a registered nurse anytime, day or night, for non-emergency medical advice. Whether you’re unsure if a child’s fever requires a doctor’s visit or need guidance on managing chronic conditions like diabetes, this service is free and confidential.

All UCare phone lines are toll-free within the United States and are monitored by live agents during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT). After-hours calls are answered by an automated system that routes urgent requests to on-call staff. UCare does not charge members for calls to these numbers, and all communications are protected under HIPAA regulations.

How to Reach UCare in South Minneapolis: Nonprofit Insurance – Official Customer Support Support

While phone support remains the most direct way to connect with UCare, the organization offers multiple channels to ensure accessibility for all members—regardless of tech literacy, language, or physical ability. Below is a full guide to every method of contacting UCare customer support.

1. Phone Support – The Most Reliable Option

As listed above, UCare’s toll-free numbers are staffed by trained representatives who can assist with virtually every issue. For residents in South Minneapolis, calling from a landline or mobile phone is often the fastest way to resolve issues like denied claims, coverage gaps, or prescription refusals. It’s recommended to have your member ID number and date of birth ready when calling.

2. Online Member Portal – MyUCare

Visit www.ucare.com and click “Log In” to access MyUCare, UCare’s secure online portal. Here, members can:

• View and download ID cards
• Check claim status and explanations of benefits (EOBs)
• Find in-network providers
• Request prescription refills
• Update personal information
• Send secure messages to customer service

Secure messaging through MyUCare typically receives a response within 2 business days and is ideal for non-urgent questions.

3. Email Support

For written inquiries, members can email memberservices@ucare.com. This channel is best for document requests (e.g., tax forms, eligibility letters) or detailed questions that require written documentation. Please note: email is not secure for sharing protected health information (PHI). Avoid including Social Security numbers or medical diagnoses in emails.

4. In-Person Support Centers

UCare operates several community-based service centers in Minneapolis, including one located in South Minneapolis:

UCare South Minneapolis Community Office

Address: 3500 S. 11th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 1-800-657-3762 (ask for the South Minneapolis office)

This office provides in-person assistance with enrollment, application help, interpreter services, and benefit counseling. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Free parking and public transit access (via Metro Transit Bus Lines 11 and 12) are available.

5. Mobile App – UCare Mobile

Download the free UCare Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app offers:

• Mobile ID card access
• Location-based provider search
• Push notifications for appointment reminders
• Direct chat with customer service

The app is available in English and Spanish and includes accessibility features like voice navigation and screen reader compatibility.

6. Mail and Fax

For formal correspondence, send documents to:

UCare Member Services

P.O. Box 13209

Minneapolis, MN 55413-0209

Fax: 1-612-334-6800 (for providers only)

Mail responses may take 7–10 business days. Use certified mail for important documents like appeals or legal requests.

7. Social Media and Chatbots

UCare maintains active profiles on Facebook and Twitter (@UCareMN) for general announcements, but these are not for private member inquiries. For quick questions, UCare’s website features a live chatbot powered by AI that can answer common questions about copays, covered services, and plan types. The chatbot redirects complex issues to a live agent within minutes.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While UCare primarily serves Minnesota residents, its services extend beyond state borders for certain populations—including international students, refugees, and U.S. citizens living abroad temporarily. Below is a directory of international support options for UCare members traveling or residing outside the U.S.

For Members Outside the United States

UCare provides limited emergency medical coverage for members traveling internationally under certain plans (primarily Medicare Advantage and some employer plans). If you are abroad and need urgent care:

• Call collect: +1-612-334-4000 (International Operator Assistance)
• Request a list of approved international providers via email: international@ucare.com
• For emergencies, contact local emergency services first, then notify UCare within 48 hours.

UCare does not operate call centers overseas, but partners with Global Rescue and International SOS to provide 24/7 emergency medical evacuation and coordination services for eligible members.

Language Support for Non-English Speakers Worldwide

UCare offers interpretation services in over 150 languages via phone, including:

• Spanish
• Hmong
• Somali
• Arabic
• Russian
• Vietnamese
• Karen
• Amharic
• French
• Portuguese

Members calling from abroad can request interpreter services by stating their language when prompted. No additional fees apply.

Support for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

UCare does not offer full coverage to individuals residing permanently outside the U.S. However, members who are temporarily abroad (e.g., retirees, students, military families) can maintain their coverage if they return to Minnesota within 12 months. For questions about maintaining coverage while overseas, contact the International Member Services team at international@ucare.com or call +1-612-334-4000.

About UCare in South Minneapolis: Nonprofit Insurance – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

UCare’s impact extends far beyond insurance—it is a leader in public health innovation, community development, and health equity. Here are some of its most significant achievements and areas of influence:

1. Medicaid and Medicare Leadership

UCare is Minnesota’s largest nonprofit Medicaid managed care organization, serving over 400,000 members. It also has one of the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plans in the state, consistently earning 4.5+ stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In 2023, UCare was ranked

1 in Minnesota for member satisfaction among Medicaid plans by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

2. Health Equity Initiatives

UCare launched the “Health for All” initiative in 2020 to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes. Key programs include:

• Black Maternal Health Program: Reduces maternal mortality among Black women through doula support and home visits.
• Indigenous Health Navigator Network: Partners with tribal health centers to improve access to culturally safe care.
• Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health Outreach: Provides free enrollment assistance, translation, and mental health support.

3. Community Investment

In 2023 alone, UCare reinvested $78 million in community health programs, including:

• $22 million in grants to food banks and nutrition programs
• $15 million in housing stability grants to prevent homelessness among chronically ill members
• $10 million in mental health expansion, including 24/7 crisis lines and school-based counseling
• $8 million in transportation services for members without access to cars

4. Innovation in Care Delivery

UCare pioneered the “Whole Person Care” model, integrating physical, behavioral, and social health services. Its South Minneapolis pilot program reduced emergency room visits by 32% among high-risk members by assigning care navigators who connect members to housing, food, and job training resources.

5. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Leadership

As a nonprofit, UCare is a national model for ESG in health care. It has eliminated single-use plastics in all offices, transitioned to 100% renewable energy for its facilities, and implemented a zero-waste policy. In 2024, UCare received the “Green Health Leader” award from the American Public Health Association.

6. Provider Partnerships

UCare works with over 12,000 providers across Minnesota, including community health centers, rural clinics, and safety-net hospitals. It offers higher reimbursement rates to providers serving low-income populations and provides free training on implicit bias and trauma-informed care.

Global Service Access

While UCare’s primary service area is Minnesota, its commitment to global health equity and accessibility means its support systems are designed to serve a diverse, mobile population. Whether you’re a Minnesota resident, a temporary international visitor, or a U.S. citizen living abroad, UCare’s infrastructure ensures you can access help when you need it.

UCare’s digital platforms—MyUCare portal and mobile app—are accessible from anywhere with internet. Members abroad can log in to view documents, send secure messages, and access provider directories. For those without reliable internet, UCare offers a toll-free international calling service through its partner, Global Relay, which allows members to call U.S. numbers at reduced rates.

UCare also collaborates with global health organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the World Health Organization to share best practices in nonprofit insurance delivery. Its “Community Health Worker Training Curriculum” has been adopted in refugee camps in Kenya and Jordan, helping local organizations replicate UCare’s model of wraparound care.

For members with international family members who need to assist with their care, UCare offers a “Family Caregiver Portal.” This secure platform allows designated family members to view appointment schedules, medication lists, and care plans (with member consent). This feature is especially helpful for families separated by geography.

UCare does not offer international insurance plans, but its commitment to accessibility means no member is left behind—even when they travel. Emergency services, interpreter support, and digital access ensure that UCare’s mission of equitable care follows members wherever they go.

FAQs

Q1: Is UCare only available in South Minneapolis?

No. UCare serves the entire state of Minnesota. While it has a strong presence in South Minneapolis due to community partnerships and service centers, its plans are available statewide, including in rural areas and other urban centers like St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester.

Q2: Can I get help in my native language?

Yes. UCare provides free interpretation services in over 150 languages, including Hmong, Somali, Spanish, Arabic, and Karen. Just ask for an interpreter when you call or visit a service center.

Q3: Is UCare a government agency?

No. UCare is a nonprofit health plan, not a government agency. However, it contracts with the state of Minnesota to administer Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs. It is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Q4: How do I file a complaint or appeal a decision?

You can file a grievance or appeal by calling 1-800-657-3762, using the MyUCare portal, or sending a letter to UCare Member Services at P.O. Box 13209, Minneapolis, MN 55413-0209. UCare must respond to appeals within 30 days (or 72 hours for urgent cases).

Q5: Does UCare cover dental and vision?

Yes, for certain plans. Medicaid and MinnesotaCare members receive dental and vision benefits. Medicare Advantage members can choose plans that include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Check your plan details in MyUCare or call 1-800-657-3762.

Q6: Can I switch plans during the year?

Generally, yes—if you experience a qualifying life event such as moving, losing other coverage, having a baby, or becoming eligible for Medicare. You can also change plans during the annual Open Enrollment period (October 15–December 7 for Medicare; November 1–January 15 for Medicaid/MinnesotaCare).

Q7: Is UCare affiliated with HealthPartners or Blue Cross?

No. UCare is an independent nonprofit organization. It is not owned by or affiliated with HealthPartners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or any for-profit insurer.

Q8: How do I know if I’m eligible for UCare?

Eligibility depends on income, age, disability status, and household size. You can check your eligibility online at www.ucare.com/eligibility or call 1-800-657-3762 to speak with an enrollment specialist.

Q9: Does UCare offer telehealth services?

Yes. All UCare members can access telehealth visits with doctors, therapists, and specialists at no additional cost. Simply log in to MyUCare or call the nurse advice line to schedule a virtual appointment.

Q10: What should I do if I lose my UCare ID card?

Call 1-800-657-3762 to request a replacement, or download a digital ID card through the UCare Mobile app. Digital cards are accepted at all provider offices and pharmacies.

Conclusion

UCare in South Minneapolis is more than an insurance provider—it is a pillar of community health, equity, and resilience. As a nonprofit organization, UCare’s mission is not to generate profits but to ensure that every Minnesotan, regardless of income or background, has access to the care they need. Its customer support system reflects this mission: comprehensive, compassionate, multilingual, and deeply integrated with community resources.

The official toll-free numbers provided in this guide—1-800-657-3762 for general inquiries, 1-800-738-2247 for Medicare, and 1-800-835-5862 for Medicaid—are your lifelines to a support system designed with dignity and care at its core. Whether you’re a member, a family caregiver, or a health provider, UCare is committed to meeting you where you are—on the phone, online, in person, or across borders.

In a health care landscape often dominated by corporate interests, UCare stands as a beacon of what nonprofit insurance can achieve: not just coverage, but connection; not just claims processing, but community healing. If you or someone you know needs help navigating health care in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to reach out. UCare is here—for you, and for all of us.