expanded medicare Benefits available to Missourians with Dual Eligibility
Kansas City, MO – Individuals in Missouri who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may be eligible for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-snps), offering comprehensive coverage that extends beyond standard Medicare benefits. Enrollment for these plans is open now through December 7.
D-SNPs are designed for those with specific health needs and often include supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care, and also assistance with everyday expenses. These plans aim to address the holistic health needs of beneficiaries, recognizing that factors beyond medical care significantly impact well-being.
“Transportation is one of the benefits. Additional benefits for healthy foods and over-the-counter items,” explained Becky Swanson, a Medicare specialist and agent with Dedicated Insurance Advisors in Kansas City. “Some of those benefits can be used towards gas, utilities and even rent in some cases.”
The plans can also help reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and emphasize proactive care. The Kansas City area boasts over a dozen primary care facilities participating in these plans, supporting both physical and mental health.
Despite the potential benefits, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicates that nearly half of those eligible for D-SNPs nationwide are not enrolled. Advocates believe this number could be even higher due to a lack of awareness, prompting increased public education efforts, including those by unitedhealthcare.
“A lot of our members need some additional caregiver support to stay in their home,” saeid Marian Cabanillas, Community and State CEO for UnitedHealthcare. “They can also help with staying current on covered preventive care, making sure that you go to your wellness visits, and get your annual screenings and vaccines.”
Plan coordinators play a crucial role in connecting members with resources like caregiver support and ensuring they receive necessary preventive care. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the available plans, services, and benefits to maximize their potential.
Individuals can learn more about D-SNPs and enrollment options at https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-a-dual-eligible-special-needs-plan-d-snp/ and https://dedicatedadvisors.net/medicare-resources/medicare-special-needs-plans/. Additional data on dual eligibility can be found at https://www.cms.gov/data-research/research/medicare-current-beneficiary-survey/data-tables/2023-socio-demographic-and-health-characteristics-medicare-beneficiaries-dual-enrollment-status-puf and https://www.kff.org/interactive/state-profiles-for-dual-eligible-individuals/missouri/enrollment-and-spending-for-dual-eligible-individuals/. Details about UnitedHealthcare’s community plan is available at https://www.uhc.com/communityplan/.
