If your UHC Card is not working when you try to use it, the issue is usually related to activation, eligibility, balance limits, or where the card is being used.
In most cases, the problem can be fixed quickly once the cause is identified.
This guide explains why a UHC Card may not be working and provides step-by-step troubleshooting to help you resolve the issue.
UHC Card issues usually occur due to one or more of the following reasons:
Card is not activated
Benefits are not active yet
Balance is unavailable or exhausted
Item or service is not eligible
Store or provider is not accepted
Temporary system issues
Understanding the reason helps you apply the correct fix.
A UHC Card must be activated before use.
Confirm you completed activation
Look for activation confirmation
Try using the card again after activation
If activation is incomplete, the card will not work.
Even if the card is activated, benefits may not be active yet.
Check whether:
Your coverage start date has arrived
Enrollment is fully processed
The benefit period has begun
Inactive benefits can cause declined transactions.
Some UHC Cards include spending limits or allowances.
Current available balance
Whether benefits have expired
If recent purchases reduced the balance
A zero or insufficient balance will prevent successful transactions.
UHC Cards only work for approved items or services.
Your card may not work if:
The item is not covered by your plan
You are shopping at a non-approved location
You are mixing eligible and ineligible items
Eligibility rules are set by plans offered through UnitedHealthcare.
Not all stores or providers accept UHC Cards.
Use an approved retail store or pharmacy
Avoid non-health-related merchants
Try in-store instead of online, or vice versa
Acceptance varies by merchant and plan.
Occasionally, system updates or maintenance can affect card usage.
If this happens:
Wait some time and try again
Avoid repeated attempts in a short period
Check again later in the day
Most system issues resolve automatically.
Physical damage can prevent the card from working.
Check for:
Scratches on the magnetic strip
Cracks or bending
Chip damage
A damaged card may need replacement.
If your UHC Card continues to fail:
Review your plan benefit summary
Confirm eligibility and balance
Request a replacement card if necessary
Most issues are resolved once the correct cause is addressed.
Avoid:
Repeatedly swiping the card
Assuming benefits are permanently lost
Using the card for ineligible purchases
These actions do not fix the issue and may cause confusion.
Activation is required before use
Benefits follow plan-specific rules
Not all items or locations are eligible
Temporary issues can affect card usage
Understanding these points helps prevent future problems.
Lost UHC Card? How to Get a Replacement
Stolen UHC Card – What to Do Immediately
UHC Card Declined – Reasons and Fixes