As conversations grow around healthcare options for retirees in the United States, it’s important to understand the roles of both federal and private systems—particularly Social Security, Medicare, and UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage plans. While they operate under different frameworks, many older Americans successfully benefit from a combination of these programs.
What Is UnitedHealth and How Is It Different from Social Security?
UnitedHealth, a private company under the UnitedHealth Group, offers health insurance plans like Medicare Advantage. These plans include medical coverage, hospitalization, prescriptions, and additional services such as dental and vision care. In contrast, Social Security and its counterpart Medicare are federal programs funded by payroll taxes under FICA law.
While Social Security offers retirees a monthly income—averaging $1,976 in 2025—UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage plans provide broader healthcare support. UnitedHealth is supported by premiums paid by individuals or their employers, while Social Security eligibility is based on accumulating 40 work credits over roughly 10 years of taxable employment.
Can You Use Both Systems Together?
Yes. In fact, the combination is quite common. In 2025, nearly 67% of Social Security beneficiaries also use private Medicare Advantage plans for expanded coverage. A spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that while Medicare and Social Security are separate programs, they are administratively linked—particularly when it comes to eligibility.
Most retirees who activate their Social Security four months before turning 65 are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. From there, many choose to transition to a Medicare Advantage plan offered by companies like UnitedHealth for additional benefits.
Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s Covered?
- Traditional Medicare (Part A & B) is government-managed and includes basic hospital and outpatient coverage.
- Medicare Advantage, such as those offered by UnitedHealth, bundles hospital and outpatient services, often with extra coverage for prescriptions (Part D), dental, vision, and wellness programs.
While Medicare Advantage technically replaces traditional Medicare, retirees retain their Social Security income. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 83% of Medicare Advantage enrollees also receive Social Security, showing how the two programs work in tandem.
UnitedHealth’s plans can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses—for instance, covering up to 80% of hospitalization costs, compared to 60% under traditional Medicare.
Who Qualifies for These Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security, a person must:
- Be at least 62 years old (full retirement age is 66-67 depending on birth year).
- Accumulate 40 work credits—in 2025, this means earning $1,810 per credit, up to 4 per year.
- Those lacking 40 credits may qualify through a spouse, ex-spouse, or deceased partner under specific conditions.
Children or dependents can also receive benefits based on the retiree’s record, particularly if they are under 18, full-time high school students, or have a disability diagnosed before age 22.
For Medicare, eligibility typically includes:
- Age 65 or older and qualified for Social Security.
- People under 65 with certain disabilities (like ALS or end-stage renal disease).
- Medicare Part A is usually premium-free if eligibility conditions are met, while Part B requires a monthly premium of $174.70 in 2025.
Delaying enrollment beyond the initial window could result in permanent penalties unless certain exceptions apply.
Final Word: A Compatible, Common Approach
The numbers make it clear: millions of Americans use both systems together. About 59 million people receive Social Security, and 28 million are enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The compatibility is also evident in public plans like the City of Savannah’s retiree program, which requires Medicare enrollment to access UnitedHealth’s benefits.
Though UnitedHealth does not provide direct income, it reduces healthcare-related financial strain—making it a valuable supplement to Social Security. Together, they offer a broader safety net for aging Americans.