(Statewide) – Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including thousands of Hoosiers on Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for additional coverage through a Dual Special Needs Plan.
It is important to shop around for a plan to best fit your needs and be aware not all plans in Indiana serve the entire state.
Jennifer Walden, a counselor for the Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program, cautioned it is crucial for Hoosiers to lookout for bad actors.
“Whenever there’s a time of need there always seems to be scammers,” Walden pointed out. “You really want to make sure that the people that you’re talking to are reliable, non-biased individuals.”
This additional coverage option is for people who may need more help because of disabilities, age or health conditions. To enroll, individuals can contact a specific health plan or Medicare at 800-MEDICARE. The deadline for Indiana residents to change health care plans is Jan. 15.
Marian Cabanillas of UnitedHealthcare Community and State, said Dual Special Needs Plans offer unique benefits not usually covered by standard health insurance, like healthy food items; fruits, vegetables and meat, and even over-the-counter products like toothpaste. She noted people often delay health care when they are uncertain about costs, and a dual plan could ease financial concerns.
“The earlier that we can diagnose and treat issues, the better you have of a chance of having better outcomes,” Cabanillas emphasized.
Cabanillas added dual plans can also help cover utility bills for those who qualify. However, millions of eligible people are not enrolled, possibly because they do not know about them.
(Story by our newsgathering partners at Indiana News Service)
