Have Medicare and Medicaid? 5 things to know about a Dual Special Needs Plan that may support your health
Posted: November 18, 2024 | Word Count: 767
It’s that time of year again. Medicare Annual Enrollment ends on Dec. 7, so now is the time to learn about your health coverage options.
If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you may be surprised to know there is a health plan that offers extra Medicare benefits to support your everyday, whole health. These plans are called Dual Special Needs plans, or D-SNPs, for short. UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® is a type of D-SNP plan that can offer support for your whole health, including physical, emotional, mental and financial well-being.
“We want to ensure that individuals with Medicare and Medicaid understand the extra benefits they can receive to help them live healthier lives,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Chief Medical Officer, Government Programs, UnitedHealthcare. “UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete offers benefits like financial help for groceries and everyday essentials and zero-dollar preventive care so you can worry less and focus on what really matters: your whole health.”
Don’t leave any extras on the table — here’s 5 things to know when considering D-SNP plans like UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete:
1. Support for Groceries, Living Expenses & Prescriptions
You may be feeling the pinch from the rising cost of groceries and living expenses. Luckily, a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan offers a monthly credit to help pay for healthy foods like fruit and vegetables and over-the-counter products[1].
D-SNP plans include more prescription coverage than Medicaid or Original Medicare alone. UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete offers predictable prescription coverage for covered prescriptions. Plans have various benefits and eligibility criteria, so be sure to check which plan fits your needs.
2. Preventive Care
Staying on top of your annual physical exams and preventive care may help catch and treat problems earlier. D-SNP plans usually offer no-cost or low-cost preventive care including coverage for annual physical exams, lab tests, mammograms and colonoscopies[2].
3. Provider Network
Be sure to review your plan’s provider network to see which doctors and hospitals are in network[3]. If you manage a chronic condition, ensure that your doctors and specialists are in-network with your plan. And don’t forget to check with your mental care provider, as our whole health is more than treating physical ailments.
4. Virtual Care
Life happens — when the bus is late, your car is in the shop, or your neighbor can’t take you to your doctor’s appointment, you need options. D-SNP plans may include coverage for virtual doctor’s visits, including virtual mental health visits. UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete includes $0 copays for virtual medical and mental health visits[4] to help get care when you need it.
5. Monthly Premiums
You may be eligible for plans with a $0 monthly premium, depending on your income and other factors. D-SNP plans can be a budget-friendly option to help you manage your health care costs effectively, so you can focus on your health needs.
Learn more
Do your research, ask the right questions and talk to your care providers to make the most informed decision for your unique needs.
To learn more about the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan, visit GetDual.com or call 800-560-5932 / TTY 711 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
[1] Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Food and OTC benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. Eligibility for the healthy food benefit under the Value-Based Insurance Design model is limited to members with Extra Help from Medicare and will be verified after enrollment. For TN only: The healthy food benefit is a special supplemental benefit only available to chronically ill enrollees with a qualifying condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, diabetes and/or cardiovascular disorders, and who also meet all applicable plan coverage criteria. There may be other qualified conditions not listed. Contact us for details.
[2] Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.
[3] Provider network may vary by local market.
[4] Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Virtual visits may require video-enabled smartphone or other device. Not for use in emergencies. Not all network providers offer virtual care.
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