Chuck Cerniglia, Executive Director – New Jersey, UnitedHealthcare
October 2025 — Chuck Cerniglia, executive director in New Jersey of UnitedHealthcare, discussed with Invest: how the company is dedicated to living out its mission “to help people live healthier lives” by ensuring their members have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and prioritizing preventative treatment with the goal of improving health outcomes and lowering costs.
What have been the most significant achievements for UnitedHealthcare in New Jersey over the past year?
Our success is measured by how closely our actions align with our mission: helping people live healthier lives. This commitment is not just a broad statement; it’s about supporting individuals, one member at a time. In New Jersey and nationally, our vision is to create a future where everyone has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, to reduce disparities, improve outcomes, and prevent disease before it starts.
Achieving these goals requires collaboration with providers, hospitals, regulators, brokers, and agents. Innovation plays a key role, introducing new approaches that make care more accessible. Success means checking all those boxes and focusing on helping New Jersey members live healthier lives.
What opportunities do you see within the healthcare industry today?
Our Surest program, new to New Jersey, offers upfront pricing with no deductibles or coinsurance, eliminating financial barriers to care. Members can compare costs before scheduling appointments, resulting in 50% lower out-of-pocket costs and an average 11% savings for employers. Increased preventive care exams are reducing overall costs and utilization.
What are your thoughts on how to make healthcare more cost-effective?
Healthcare is complex and costly, but UnitedHealthcare works every day to simplify the experience, provide affordable coverage, and deliver high-quality care. Products like Surest help members navigate the system and manage costs. We focus on ensuring care meets the latest medical standards, incentivizing preventive care, and being present whenever members need help—making it easier to find and access care.
What is needed to expand access and affordability to new populations, demographics, and localities across New Jersey?
UnitedHealthcare serves diverse populations through multiple lines of business: community and state programs, Medicare and retirement, and employer and individual coverage. We support small businesses, large employers, and the public sector.
Our initiatives address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, while improving access to care. We tailor strategies across business platforms to meet members where they are and ensure they receive the care they need.
How has technology innovation increased your ability to deliver quality service?
Innovation has transformed healthcare delivery. Mobile apps and programs like Surest allow members to see exact costs before treatment. Most account and coverage needs can now be managed from a phone. Tools like Benefit Ally provide financial support immediately after a critical illness diagnosis.
How is UnitedHealthcare enhancing mental health coverage for its New Jersey clients?
Telehealth has revolutionized behavioral health, reducing wait times from weeks to same-day virtual visits. For large group employers, we offer numerous applications and value-added programs focused on mental health. Compared to five years ago, the number of behavioral health services available to members has tripled. Mental health remains a top priority.
What is your outlook for the industry over the next few years?
The focus will remain on reducing costs without compromising quality. We aim to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse while strengthening provider relationships to keep costs down. Rising premiums and healthcare trends will continue to challenge affordability, so simplifying processes and managing costs are critical.
