National Gold Card program enters second year

Program protocol is available now

Last fall, we introduced the first national Gold Card program, reducing prior authorizations in favor of advance notification for provider groups consistently adhering to evidence-based care guidelines. We’re happy to announce that in the second year of the program, starting Oct. 1, 2025, additional provider groups will be eligible.

On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare will publish details on how to determine if your provider group has qualified for the program.

Check your Gold Card eligibility status starting Sept. 1

Provider groups can view their Gold Card program status in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal.

Renewing Oct. 1, 2025, the program simplifies the prior authorization process for qualifying providers and eligible services. Qualifying providers will need to submit advance notification, which confirms eligibility and network status, but no clinical information will be requested. We’ve updated the program protocol for the renewal period.

Visit our national Gold Card program page in September for detailed instructions on how to identify Gold Card status and access to an interactive guide that can help you navigate our resources.