December 2025 Top of Mind

Sharp Health Plan selects Optum as its behavioral health partner

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions of California (Optum) will manage behavioral health benefits for Sharp Health Plan. This applies to members in California covered by a Sharp Health Commercial or Medicare Advantage plan only.

Here’s what you need to know for services you provide to these Sharp members next year:

• Network status: All Optum network (contracted) providers in California are able to deliver behavioral health services to Sharp Health Plan members, as outlined by the provisions of your current Participation Agreement
• Reimbursement rates: You’ll be reimbursed for covered services based on the current Commercial and Medicare Advantage fee schedules in your Participation Agreement
• Referrals: As a network provider, you must accept referrals from us as you normally do
• Administrative requirements: All authorization and claim processes outlined in the Optum California Behavioral Health Network Manual are applicable for this membership
• Member eligibility and benefits: We encourage you to check member eligibility and benefits prior to providing services and to verify you have the correct member ID information at every visit. This will help ensure prompt claim processing and reimbursement.
• Provider Express secure portal: You will be able to access member information and manage administrative tasks for Sharp Health Plan claims beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The portal is available 24/7, allowing you to manage this work when it’s most convenient for you.

Questions?
For questions about your participation in the Sharp Health network and general network inquiries, please contact Optum Provider Services at 1-877-614-0484, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

Beginning Dec. 15, 2025, you may also call Optum Customer Service at 1-866-756-4791 for assistance as you prepare to work with Sharp Health members in January 2026. They can help answer questions related to prior authorizations, claims, payments and other administrative support.