When you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare Advantage Plans Dual Complete could potentially maximize your healthcare benefits. These plans will likely be a fusion of both services, possibly simplifying your healthcare coverage into one cohesive plan.
This article will explore the potential spectrum of benefits, the eligibility criteria, and how to enroll—equipping you with the knowledge to determine if Dual Complete aligns with your health and financial needs.
Dual Complete plans will likely be a unique blend of Medicare and Medicaid benefits, delivered through a single managed care organization.
They may fall under a broader category known as Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, or D-SNPs, which could aim to offer extra benefits and services that could go beyond standard health coverage for qualifying individuals.
These plans will likely function by integrating potential Medicare and Medicaid benefits to offer comprehensive coverage.
This fusion might allow members to receive a coordinated and seamless healthcare experience, with access to a wide range of services, coverage, and possible benefits. Some potential features of Dual Complete plans may include:
These plans could potentially ensure that members’ health needs could be adequately addressed, promoting overall well-being.
Dual Complete plans will likely be tailored for dual-eligible individuals. These individuals meet the requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare insurance may be accessible to individuals aged 65 or above, younger individuals with disabilities, and individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
On the other hand, Medicaid may be intended for specific individuals and families with limited incomes and resources, and eligibility might differ by state.
Income may also play a significant role in determining eligibility for a Dual Complete plan, as well as qualifying for a low-income subsidy.
Age could be another potential factor, as beneficiaries aged 65 or older may have a higher enrollment rate in Medicare Advantage plans compared to those under 65.
Once you’ve determined your eligibility for a Dual Complete plan, the next step is enrollment. The enrollment process is straightforward and can be completed by calling one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST.
Enrolling in a Dual Complete plan could allow you to consolidate your healthcare needs under one plan, possibly providing a convenient solution.
Working with a licensed agent may also prove beneficial, especially if you’re new to the process. Our licensed agents can help facilitate communication, perform beneficiary health risk assessments, and manage any involuntary disenrollment issues.
More importantly, they assist beneficiaries in understanding the D-SNP benefits and guide them in choosing the most suitable plan. Enrollment or switching of plans is permissible once per Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
One of the possible features of Dual Complete plans might be the comprehensive care they offer. These plans will likely be designed as Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP) that could assist individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid in navigating an uncoordinated care system.
Some of the Dual Complete plans may offer more than just medical coverage, they could provide a wide range of supplementary medical benefits, such as:
Among the potential benefits that may be offered by Dual Complete plans, access to a primary care provider may also stand out as particularly valuable.
Having a dedicated primary care provider could not only offer personalized care but may also ensure coordinated services that could be tailored to meet the unique requirements of the individual.
The primary care provider will likely play a pivotal role in delivering care coordination services within Dual Complete plans, as they will likely:
Members may select their primary care provider by choosing a provider who is part of the Medicare Advantage Plan, specifically the Dual Special Needs Plan.
With such dedicated care, members could be assured of a healthcare journey that is not only comprehensive but personalized to their specific needs, while still having the option to consider Original Medicare.
Another potential benefit of Dual Complete plans might be the coverage for prescription drugs. Beyond the possibility of having prescription drug coverage, some Dual Complete plans may offer a host of additional benefits, including:
Such comprehensive coverage could potentially ensure that members have access to essential healthcare services, promoting their overall health and well-being.
In addition to health coverage, some of the Dual Complete plans could offer significant financial benefits. These plans will likely be designed to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for covered services, prescriptions, and medical care.
This potential financial advantage could help reduce the burden of healthcare costs for members, allowing them to focus on maintaining their health without worrying about high medical costs.
Another potential financial benefit of certain Dual Complete plans may be the quarterly allowance. Members might receive a Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card pre-loaded with a quarterly allowance. This allowance will likely be renewed automatically every three months and could be used for eligible items and services.
This perk may not only ease the financial burden of healthcare costs but could also offer members the flexibility to use the allowance on a variety of everyday expenses and health-related items.
One of the potential perks of Dual Complete plans might be the quarterly allowance. This will likely come in the form of a prepaid card that could be used on over-the-counter health items, groceries, and utilities.
This might mean members may be able to purchase a range of over-the-counter health items. However, it’s important to note that the quarterly allowance may not be applicable for use in the fourth quarter of the year, from October to December.
To receive and activate the prepaid card, Dual Special Needs Plan members can contact 1-877-204-1817 (TTY: 711) to speak with a Member Experience Advisor.
This quarterly allowance perk could potentially add an extra layer of financial support, and possibly help members manage their health and everyday expenses more effectively.
Apart from standard coverage and financial benefits, some Dual Complete plans may also provide an array of additional services and benefits.
These might include specialized support systems that could provide tailored assistance and may serve as intermediaries between patients and their healthcare teams. They may also facilitate healthcare navigation by potentially providing resources, expertise, and aid in accessing medical care and social services.
For individuals managing complex health conditions, navigating the healthcare system might be overwhelming. Specialized support systems will likely be designed to assist in this process.
These systems could offer tailored assistance, possibly serving as intermediaries between patients and their healthcare teams. They may also facilitate healthcare navigation by providing resources, expertise, and aid in accessing medical care and social services.
Dual Complete plans may integrate specialized support systems by consolidating Medicare and Medicaid services into a single entity and assisting individuals in navigating the care system.
These systems may offer services such as:
By potentially providing comprehensive support, Dual Complete plans could ensure that members have the necessary resources and guidance to navigate their healthcare journey effectively.
Selecting the appropriate Dual Complete plan will likely require an understanding of the potential benefits, eligibility criteria, and assessing your personal healthcare needs and financial circumstances.
A licensed agent can provide invaluable assistance in this process by facilitating plan comparisons, explaining plan benefits, and guiding the selection process based on individual needs.
Some potential considerations when selecting a Dual Complete plan may include:
By taking the time to research and understand the different options, you could potentially ensure that you choose a plan that meets your specific needs and circumstances.
To find Dual Complete plans in your area, simply enter your zip code into any of the zip code boxes on this website. This will provide a list of available plans in your area.
Information on Dual Complete plans may also be found on various online platforms including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Anthem, and Aetna Medicare.
It’s important to note that the potential coverage and benefits for dual-eligible beneficiaries may vary depending on the state they reside in. Therefore, it will likely be crucial to thoroughly research each plan and understand the specific benefits and coverage it may offer in your area.
Engaging with a licensed agent could streamline the process of choosing a Dual Complete plan. These professionals can help with:
When working with a licensed agent, you may want to inquire about:
By doing so, you could ensure that you make an informed decision and choose a plan that best fits your needs.
From comprehensive coverage to additional benefits, some of the Dual Complete plans could offer a unique blend of Medicare and Medicaid benefits designed to meet the specific needs of dual-eligible individuals.
Whether it’s access to a primary care provider, extensive prescription drug coverage, or potential financial perks, these plans may go the extra mile to possibly ensure members receive the healthcare they need.
So, if you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may want to consider exploring Dual Complete plans.
Yes, United Healthcare Dual Complete is a type of Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) that follows CMS rules and may also provide Part D benefits.
FIDE SNPs will likely be required to cover primary and acute care benefits, long-term services, and support, while a HIDE SNP may cover Medicaid behavioral health services without covering LTSS.
Dual Complete plans will likely be intended for individuals who meet the requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid, commonly referred to as ‘dual-eligible’.
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a Dual Complete plan.
A licensed agent can assist you in selecting a Dual Complete plan by facilitating plan comparisons, explaining plan benefits, and guiding the selection process based on your individual needs.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.