2026 Rates & Benefits Are Here!

Surgery Centers of Excellence

High Option Members: Get eligible surgeries covered at 100% with Tier 1 providers beginning in 2026.

The 2026 High Option Compass Rose Health Plan includes a Surgery Centers of Excellence (COE) program for certain covered procedures. In-network facility and professional services associated with the surgical date are covered in full when the surgery is performed by an in-network Tier 1 providers. Members who live more than 50 miles from an in-network Tier 1 provider may also qualify for a $2,000 travel allowance to help with expenses related to the procedure.

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Finding a Tier 1 Provider

Choosing the right provider is an important part of getting the best results from surgery. That’s why our plan uses the UnitedHealth Premium® Program, which evaluates providers using national quality and cost of care standards.

Providers are evaluated on:

  • Quality of care
  • How efficiently care is delivered
  • Overall cost of care

Providers who meet these standards earn the Tier 1 designation. This means they have met criteria for delivering care that is safe, effective, and cost-efficient.

For assistance locating a Tier 1 Physician, call us at (888) 438-9135 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday. 

What's Covered

The enhanced surgical benefit under the High Option plan applies to certain cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedic, and spine procedures. To confirm whether a procedure is covered, call (888) 438-9135 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday.

When these surgeries are performed by an in-network Tier 1 provider, the following are covered at no cost to you:

  • In-network facility fees
  • In-network Radiology, Anesthesiology, Pathology, and Lab charges linked to the surgery date
  • In-network professional services on the day of surgery 

What's Not Covered

The benefit does not apply to:

  • Office visits before or after surgery
  • Pre-op or post-op care on different dates
  • Scans or diagnostic tests done outside the surgery date
  • Other procedures performed on different dates of service
  • Surgical procedures not listed in the What’s Covered section above
  • Bariatric or transplant surgeries through Optum® Centers of Excellence

All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the FEHB Plan Brochure.

In-Network Cost Breakdown

In-network cost breakdown of Surgery Centers of Excellence.
Provider Type Your Cost for Covered Surgeries*
Tier 1 provider $0
Other providers 10% of the Plan Allowance


* Precertification required

Travel Benefit

If you live more than 50 miles from an in-network Tier 1 provider, you may qualify for a travel allowance of up to $2,000. No prior approval is needed for travel. Covered expenses include lodging, transportation, and meals.

Members must pay for travel expenses up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement. For more information, see How to Submit a Claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have questions about the Surgery Centers of Excellence program?

Call UMR at (888) 438-9135 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday or email compassrose@umr.com.