Football is lighting up TVs everywhere, the holiday season's constant companion.
The clock is running on Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, open now through Dec. 7, so take a timeout to compare your options so you sign up for the plan that's right for you.
If you or someone you care for has Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for a Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP) at no additional cost. Yet, nearly half of people who qualify aren't enrolled.1,2
With a D-SNP, you'll keep your Medicaid and Medicare coverage and may score more benefits than Original Medicare.
Think of a D-SNP as a game plan to look after your whole health, to help you show up strong for yourself and for the people who count on you.
Many companies offer D-SNPs, and the options depend on where you live. Plans may include different benefits, and you may need to qualify for certain benefits.
Here are four ways a D-SNP may help you stay healthy and in the game:
1. Groceries and utilities support
Success starts with preparation off the field, just like eating well and hydrating before game day. D-SNPs go beyond doctor's visits to help support everyday needs. For qualifying members, that may mean help paying for healthy groceries and utility bills. Additionally, many D-SNPs offer rides to doctor's visits, help paying for over-the-counter health products, and discounted gym memberships.
2. Vision, hearing and dental care
Every player needs strong protection. Many D-SNPs help protect your health by offering vision, hearing and dental coverage, including exams and allowances for eyeglasses and hearing aids. It's like putting on the right gear before a game.
3. Prescription drug coverage
Consistency is key to staying in the game. D-SNPs include Medicare Part D coverage for prescription drugs, unlike Original Medicare or Medicaid. That means you may get more prescription drug coverage than Medicaid or Original Medicare alone, helping you manage chronic conditions, follow your care plan and stay on track with your health.
4. Care coordination
Even players could benefit from sideline support. D-SNPs help simplify your coverage by coordinating Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Many plans even assign a care coordinator to help you navigate your benefits, find in-network doctors, schedule doctor's appointments and access community resources, so you can stay focused on your health.
Plan on UnitedHealthcare for your next move
If you have Medicare and Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® plans offer $0 monthly premiums, $0 copays for Tier 1 prescriptions, $0 copays for vision and hearing exams, and $0 annual physical exams, lab tests and preventive care.
A Dual Complete plan gives you the additional benefits you want, such as a monthly credit for over-the-counter items, plus healthy food and utilities for members who qualify.
Visit GetDual.com to enroll in a D-SNP by Dec. 7, the end of Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period.
Don't miss the final whistle! Choosing the right health plan now may help you be ready to tackle whatever comes next.
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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. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare.
Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.
Dual Special Needs plans have a $0 premium for members with Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).
OTC, food and utilities benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. The healthy food and utilities benefit is a special supplemental benefit only available to chronically ill enrollees with a qualifying condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure, chronic high blood pressure and/or chronic high cholesterol, and who also meet all applicable plan coverage criteria. There may be other qualified conditions not listed. Contact us for details.
Some of the benefits on a Dual Special Needs plan may also be available from the state Medicaid program or a managed Medicaid plan.
Review your plan Drug List (Formulary) on UHC.com/Medicare for a list of covered prescription drugs, including those on Tier 1.
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[1] U.S. Enrollment and Spending for Dual-Eligible Individuals
[2] Medicare Advantage in 2025: Enrollment Update and Key Trends | KFF
