UnitedHealth Group Background Checks: A Quick Explainer

With nearly 450,000 workers across the United States, UnitedHealth Group is one of the country’s largest insurance companies. UnitedHealth, also known as UHG, employs professionals in many diverse capacities to support its health insurance mission. During hiring, UHG aims to identify the candidates most suitable for the role. UnitedHealth Group background checks are a part of that process.

Applicants must understand what to expect as they move forward with the company. This quick guide explores what to know about UnitedHealth Group and its background check policy. Here’s what to expect next when you apply and complete the initial job interview process.

Does UnitedHealth Group Run Background Checks on Applicants?

Yes, UnitedHealth says that it does conduct background checks on job seekers. Applicants first go through an interview process to discuss their resume and respond to general interview questions. If the company selects an applicant as a candidate, the official website states that you will receive a “verbal offer.” This job offer is conditional. You must complete some onboarding steps and then consent to a background check. If you pass this background check and a drug test, you will receive a formal offer to begin working for UnitedHealth.

What Workers at UHG Have to Have a Background Check?

Everyone who applies to work at UnitedHealth Group must complete the drug test and background check process. There are no exceptions. All job roles go through the same onboarding process. Everyone, from entry-level to upper management, has the same procedure. Some of the job roles that undergo background checks include:

• Clinical job roles in places where UHG operates caregiver or clinical teams
• Customer service agents
• Claims agents
• Underwriters
• Consulting roles
• Corporate services
• Technological roles
• Sales team members

What Will UnitedHealth Group Examine During Background Screening?

While UnitedHealth does not share what it screens during hiring, most companies look for serious signs of trouble. The more recent and serious a conviction is, the more bearing it may have on the employment decision. UHG wants to protect itself and its employees from potential harm or negligence. Violent, severe felonies and high-value financial crimes may concern hiring managers. A pattern of convictions over recent years may also seem problematic to HR. UnitedHealth likely examines criminal records from many resources with the help of a third-party consumer reporting agency.

For clinical positions, you may need specific required licenses and certifications. UnitedHealth may request information to assist them in verifying the relevance and good standing of those licenses. The company may verify your education or check any employment history you report on your resume. No public information exists about whether UnitedHealth uses a credit check during hiring. Most roles not involved with finance will likely not require one.

How Far Does a UHG Background Check Go?

Background checks used by UnitedHealth typically go back seven years and, in some cases, ten years. However, felony convictions always remain discoverable in someone’s record. The EEOC encourages employers to consider the age of the conviction when making decisions. Thus, many companies limit their “lookback” period to seven or ten years. In some cases, though, the company might see severe felony convictions on your report, even if they’re old. Checking your own report can help inform you about what to expect.

What Must I Provide for a Background Check?

You must provide some personal information for the UnitedHealth Group background check process. First, the company will ask you to sign a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) consent form. No one can check your background for employment purposes without your explicit consent. Once you agree, the company will use your name and birth date to search for criminal records. You may need to report your license number and the issuing agency for licensed positions.

Who Pays for the Background Check?

UnitedHealth Group covers the costs of the background check for job candidates. The company will also pay for the drug test required for hiring.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for my UnitedHealth Group Background Check?

Background check turnaround times vary. Some may come back in as little as 24 hours. That scenario is most likely when there is nothing to report in a candidate’s background. In most cases, expect the process to take at least a few business days to a week. If you do not hear back after a week, you can contact the hiring manager who made your verbal offer for a status update.

What Happens if There’s an Issue in the Background Check?

If a UnitedHealth hiring manager decides to withdraw their conditional offer because of your background, they must follow the FCRA to do so. You must receive an “adverse action” letter explaining which consumer report influenced the employer’s decision. This letter begins a short period in which you can dispute the findings and request an appeal. Most employers wait about five business days before taking any final action. If you believe the decision was an error, you must inform the company and explain your reasoning. The reporting agency will then investigate and confirm its findings or issue a corrected report, and UHG may decide to restore your offer. Otherwise, they will issue another adverse action letter and conclude the hiring process.

Know What to Expect Before Your Application

The insurance industry often offers a stable career path for those dedicated to climbing the ladder. Applying to work at a major company such as UnitedHealth Group can be the start of that journey. As we’ve seen, there is an active UnitedHealth Group background check policy. If you’re preparing to apply to work at UHG, you may wonder what a hiring manager will see when they review your report. Unless you’ve never had an encounter with the justice system, it can be disconcerting to be unsure of what exactly will appear.

Help from backgroundchecks.com can clear up that confusion. You can see what companies see when you order your own background check. Explore your report today. Better understand what a hiring manager may evaluate as they consider the results of UnitedHealth Group background checks. It’s fast and easy, and you can get started right now