FAQ
Review these frequently asked questions to learn more about our human capital programs, policies, benefits and pay.
Employment Integration Overview
Will my supervisor change?
There are no plans to change the organizational structure as a result of this integration. OR Organizational changes are being considered. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible. OR when there is some gray area: Business will continue as usual while we work together in conducting a thorough evaluation to best align the organization against business needs and market demands. If restructuring is determined for areas of the business, we will communicate any changes as soon as possible. OCI: There are no plans to change anyone’s supervisor.
Will our current work schedules change?
No. There are no current plans to change work schedules. OR We will announce some changes. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible. OCI: There are no plans to change work schedules.
Will there be a restriction on applying for jobs within UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare, Optum or Optum360?
No. You are free to apply for other jobs within UnitedHealth Group and its companies according to our policy requirements:
- You must have been in your current role for a minimum of 12 months
- We require a current performance rating of “Meets Expectations” or better; you cannot have a performance review rating of “Needs Improvement”
- You cannot be subject to a corrective action plan (CAP)
Onboarding
Will I receive notification that I’ve successfully completed the background check?
No. You’ll only be notified if there is an issue with your background check. If you would like a copy of your background check report, please check the checkbox to request this when you complete your background check profile with First Advantage.
What happens if something is flagged in the background check?
Any adverse reports (criminal, license, etc.) on a background check are reviewed by an internal team on a case-by-case basis to determine next steps. If any action is required related to an adverse report someone from the integration team will contact the employee directly.
Why does the company conduct a pre-employment drug test on all new employees?
We are proud to provide a drug-free environment. Our commitment to a safe, productive and healthy workplace free of illegal drugs and alcohol misuse means our employees can do their best work and our customers receive our best level of service. Employees are expected to report to work free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol and ready to perform the duties of their job. Illegal drugs are defined as all controlled substances and other drugs not placed in any schedule by the federal government, regardless of state law, that are not being used or possessed under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. UnitedHealth Group may randomly conduct post-hire drug testing on certain positions within state law.
What happens if I’m required to take a drug test and do not pass?
If an integrating employee is required to take a drug test and tests positive for drugs without a legitimate medical explanation for a positive result, or refuses to cooperate in a drug test, they will have their conditional offer of employment rescinded by UnitedHealth Group.
Payroll
What is UnitedHealth Group’s payroll cycle?
Payroll is administered by UnitedHealth Group. Team members are paid every two weeks. The pay period begins on Sunday and concludes two weeks later on Saturday. In addition:
- The company's designated payday is on the Friday following the end of a pay period.
- Pay is one week in arrears.
- For purposes of overtime calculation, the workweek goes from Sunday through Saturday.
- If a payday falls on a holiday, the payday for that pay period will be on the last business day before the holiday.
What are the dates of the final check from my current employer and my first UnitedHealth Group-administered check?
- If you are currently paid biweekly, your final check from will be on [June 28, 2019] covering [June 10 through 22, 2019.]
- If you are currently paid monthly, your final check from will be on [June 28, 2019] covering [June 1 through 22, 2019.]
- You will receive your first UnitedHealth Group-administered paycheck on [July 12, 2019] covering [June 23 through July 6, 2019.]
Who will issue my paycheck?
- Providers: Your paycheck will be issued by [Riverside Pediatric Group, PC,] your employer of record.
- Staff: Your paycheck will be issued by Optum Care Inc., your employer of record.
Does UnitedHealth Group offer direct deposit?
Yes. You can enroll in direct deposit in Global Self Service, our HR transactions system, after integration. Your current direct deposit information will not be transferred automatically.
What is the deadline to enroll in direct deposit in time for my first UnitedHealth Group-administered paycheck?
The deadline is 12 p.m. CT on [July 2, 2019] for your first paycheck on [July 12, 2019.] After that date, the deadline to set up or change your direct deposit option is 12 p.m. CT on the Tuesday of your pay week. You’ll receive an onboarding checklist before integration with this and other key dates.
What day and time will direct deposit paychecks be credited to my bank account?
Direct deposits are reflected in bank accounts on the Friday payday, usually at the start of business on that day. However, it varies based on your bank’s posting schedule. You can see your pay statement each Wednesday prior to the Friday payday, in Global Self Service, our HR transactions system.
I have automatic bill payment from my bank account. Do I need to notify the bank of any changes?
No. However, if you currently have your paycheck directly deposited into that account, you should enroll in direct deposit as soon as possible after the integration date to prevent any overdrafts.
In what other ways can I receive my pay?
With the CashPay program, you can receive a CashPay card that is tied to an account that your paycheck is deposited into. Your pay will generally be available through this card at the traditional opening of business on payday. Team members have access to their pay using their CashPay card virtually 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Visa merchants, ATMs and pinned point-of-sale terminals. See the CashPay document on your transition website for more information.
Will I need to complete state withholding forms?
Yes. Do this as soon as you can after integration in Global Self Service, our HR transactions system. You’ll receive an onboarding checklist before integration with instructions.
I have additional taxes taken out for my state income tax. Will that continue?
It will not continue automatically. At integration, all team members must complete a new federal IRS Form W-4 and state tax withholding form (if applicable) online in Global Self Service, our HR transactions system. You’ll receive an onboarding checklist at integration with specific instructions.
Will my court-ordered payment payroll deductions (e.g., child support) automatically continue after integration?
Yes. Your court-ordered payments will transition to our payroll. After integration, if you have any questions regarding the transfer of your court-ordered payments, providers can contact your OPS Provider Liaison, [Terrye Chavis, at terrye_w_chavis@optum.com or 763-732-6409,] and staff can call HRdirect at 800-561-0861.
How will this payroll transition affect my W-2 forms?
There is no change for most providers since your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is not changing. Staff and some providers will receive one IRS Form W-2 from your current employer and one from OptumCare, Inc. for 2019. Refer to page 1 of this document for clarification on who is considered a provider and who is considered staff in this transition.
How do I report my time?
You will report your time online in the Time & Attendance system in Global Self Service as follows:
- Exempt (salaried) team members record only their exception time, meaning time away from work (e.g., PTO, FMLA, jury duty).
- Non-exempt (hourly) team members will enter hours worked daily, up to the minute, including meal breaks but no other breaks. We do not round time up or down but pay to the minute.
Time reporting deadlines are on the payroll and holiday calendar on your transition website.
How is overtime calculated?
- Non-exempt team members in states other than California will receive overtime after 40 hours in a workweek.
- Non-exempt team members in California are entitled to overtime pay for all hours worked that either exceed eight consecutive hours in a day or on the seventh consecutive day of work within a workweek.
All overtime must be pre-approved by your supervisor.
Can I combine my break and meal periods into one break for the day (e.g. take a longer lunch by skipping the morning/afternoon breaks)?
Practices regarding breaks or rest periods for non-exempt team members vary by department depending on the type of work being performed. After integration, human capital-related information such as this will be accessible to providers on the OPS Provider Portal and staff on The Hub, UnitedHealth Group’s intranet.
If I miss part of a workday due to an outside appointment, can I work longer hours that same day to make up the time?
Your supervisor will continue to determine your schedule. After integration, human capital-related information such as this will be accessible to providers on the OPS Provider Portal and staff on The Hub, UnitedHealth Group’s intranet.
After integration, what’s the process for verifying my employment?
We use The Work Number, a service of Equifax, to provide automated employment and income verifications, letters for immigration and visas, and external job references. The Work Number is widely known by mortgage lenders, banks, apartment managers and others who may need proof of your employment or income. The Work Number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After your integration date, you can access The Work Number at https://signon.uhg.com/ping/EquifaxworknumberSSO.asp (note: this link is only valid after your integration is complete and you’ve logged on to the UnitedHealth network for the first time). If you have questions, providers can email optumpartnerservices@optum.com and staff can call HRdirect at 800-561-0861.