Is unitedhealthcare dual complete medicare and medicaid

UnitedHealthcare sells a range of Medicare insurance plans, and among them are a type of plan called UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete. Depending on where you live and your eligibility, you may be able to find and enroll in a UHC Dual Complete plan if it’s the right fit for you.

What Are UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete Plans?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans are Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan, also called D-SNPs. 

A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan that is designed for beneficiaries with specific health conditions, living situations or financial circumstances. A Dual-eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is designed specifically for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. 

Is UHC Dual Complete Both Medicare and Medicaid?

UHC Dual Complete includes both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. 

UHC Dual Complete plans cover everything found in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). That includes both inpatient and outpatient care and durable medical equipment (DME). 

As a Medicare Advantage plan, UHC Dual Complete plans can also cover benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as hearing, vision, dental and prescription drug coverage covered by Medicare Part D. 

UHC Dual Complete plans also cover Medicaid benefits, and they coordinate with state Medicaid programs that offer overlapping benefits. In these cases, Medicare is the primary payer and then Medicaid pays second.

Medicaid coverage varies by state, and most Medicaid benefits are covered by Medicare, so the real benefit to these plans as it relates to Medicaid is that most or all of you out-of-pocket Medicare costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance, etc.) can be covered by the plan. 

What Are the Benefits of UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete?

In addition to including all of the same benefits as Original Medicare, UHC Dual Complete plans also include a number of benefits not found in Medicare Part A or Part B such as coverage for dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, transportation and even things like acupuncture, chiropractic care, over-the-counter health products and gym memberships. 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for UHC Dual Complete?

First, you must be eligible for Medicare. That requires being at least 65 years old or having a qualifying disability along with being a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. 

Next, you must be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, contains different categories and is based largely on income and assets. Some states also have age restrictions for Medicaid eligibility.

UHC Dual Complete is also available to beneficiaries of each of the four following programs:

  1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Plus (QMB+)
  2. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
  3. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB+)
  4. Full Benefits Dual Eligible (FBDE)

How Do You Enroll in UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete?

You may enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan when you first become eligible for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. 

You may also enroll during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that takes place every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is also called the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

If you move to a new area or experience another qualifying life event, you may be granted a Special Enrollment Period during which you may be able to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan. 

You may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is sold in the area in which you live. There are numerous insurance carriers that sell Special Needs Plans and other types of Medicare Advantage plans, so it’s a good idea to work with a licensed insurance agent to ensure you review all of your available options and choose the plan that is the best fit for your needs. 

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  4. Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) FAQ

  • Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
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    • Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) FAQ
    • Getting started with a Dual Special Needs Plan

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) FAQ

A dual special needs plan is a type of health insurance plan. It’s for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. If that’s you, you’re “dual-eligible.” (That’s just another way of saying you can have Medicaid and Medicare at the same time).

What makes this a plan for people who are dual-eligible?

Dual special needs plans are for people who could use some extra help. That may be because of income, disabilities, age and/or health conditions. Dual plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Dual special needs plans are also called D-SNP for short. These names all mean the same thing. 

How does it work if you’re dual-eligible both Medicaid and Medicare?

A dual special needs plan works together with your Medicaid health plan. You’ll keep all your Medicaid benefits. Most dual plans also give you more benefits and features than you get with Original Medicare. All for a $0 plan premium.

Medicare is a national health insurance program run by the federal government. It’s for people age 65 and older, and also some people under age 65 with certain disabilities. Medicaid is a joint program that states and the federal government fund together. Millions of people get health coverage through their state Medicaid program. Children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities, as well as eligible low-income adults are typically covered by Medicaid.

Yes. Some people receive benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid. These people are “dual eligible.” They qualify for Medicare because of age (they’re age 65 or older) or due to having a disability. They’re also eligible for Medicaid because they meet the requirements to qualify for Medicaid in their state.

For details about the dual plans we offer in your area, please visit UHCCommunityPlan.com.

Medicaid health care programs are managed by each state government. But the state government itself doesn’t provide health insurance. Each state government contracts with private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. These companies provide health coverage for people who qualify for Medicaid and other government health care programs. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan is the brand name for the government-sponsored health plans operated by UnitedHealthcare.

To apply for Medicaid, you’ll need to submit an application to the agency that manages the Medicaid program in your state. You can find out about Medicaid plans UnitedHealthcare Community Plan offers in your area on our website at UHCCommunityPlan.com.

When you apply for Medicaid, you’ll need to fill out an application form. Different states have different requirements for Medicaid. You’ll likely need to have various documents, such as:

Personal information

  • Information about household members (name, date of birth and Social Security number)
  • Proof of citizenship

Financial information

  • Rent or mortgage information
  • Expenses (utilities, daycare, etc.)
  • Vehicle information
  • Bank statements
  • Income (pay stubs)

Medical information

  • Proof of disability or medical records showing a lasting medical condition
  • Recent medical bills

For details about the dual plans we offer in your area, please visit UHCCommunityPlan.com.

All state Medicaid programs cover low-income people who qualify, including families and children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Some state Medicaid programs cover all low-income adults who earn less than a set income level.

For details about the dual plans we offer in your area, please visit UHCCommunityPlan.com.

The exact requirements to qualify for Medicaid depend on where you live. To find out if you're eligible for Medicaid in your state, go to UHCCommunityPlan.com. See what Medicaid plans we offer in your area and check the eligibility requirements.

Medicaid programs often cover benefits that aren’t offered by Medicare. Examples could include dental, vision and hearing coverage, transportation assistance and long-term care. Paying for certain Medicare costs is another way Medicaid programs can help Medicare.

The overall goal is for both Medicaid and Medicare to work together more effectively to improve care and lower costs. It’s the responsibility of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office to make sure that people who are dually enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid have full access to seamless, high quality health care. The Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office was created within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs that have different eligibility requirements.

To qualify for Medicare, you need to be:

  • At least 65 years old, or under 65 and qualify on the basis of disability or other special situations.

AND

  • A U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row.

To qualify for state Medicaid benefits, you need to be:

  • Under age 65 and meet the requirements for low-income families, pregnant women and children, individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability or other special situation.
  • At least 65 years old and you also:
    • Receive Extra Help or assistance from your state.
    • Are blind or have a disability, but do not need long-term care.

What does UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete mean?

A UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan is a DSNP that provides health benefits for people who are “dually-eligible,” meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Who qualifies? Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for both Medicare and Medicaid is qualified to enroll in a DSNP.

What plan provides both Medicare and Medicaid coverage?

Dual health plans are designed just for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. They're a special type of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan. Dual health plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. You'll keep all your Medicaid benefits.

Is United Healthcare Dual Complete the same as Medicare Advantage?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan.

Is UHC dual complete PPO a Medicare plan?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® Choice (Regional PPO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the service area will include all counties.