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Important questions to ask to maximize health care coverage in Massachusetts

2020-11-16T00:01:00

(BPT) - Are you comparing health insurance to make sure you're getting the best coverage for your money? Maybe you already have a health care plan but aren't sure if you're using all the benefits available to you? Exploring all coverage options can help you lower your costs.

It's important to be proactive and ask questions to your health insurance provider or a licensed agent to explore opportunities to save money while staying as healthy as possible. To help guide your conversation, ask these important questions to help you maximize your health care plan benefits:

What are the costs of my health care coverage?

Most health care plans have a monthly premium you have to pay to get coverage, but some plans have no monthly premium, meaning you don’t have to pay anything to get coverage on a monthly basis.

In addition to the monthly premium you may pay for health coverage, you often have to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you'll need to pay that much out of pocket before you are covered and your plan begins to pay its share. However, many plans have exceptions to this rule, so you should ask what is covered immediately.

For example, most health plans must cover a set of preventative services at no cost to you — this might cover an annual physical and wellness checkup as well as certain immunizations. Keep in mind, you will likely have to use in-network providers in order to take advantage of this no-cost coverage, so verify before making an appointment.

Do I qualify for additional coverage at no cost?

Your personal situation may qualify you for additional coverage, but you need to ask about your options to take advantage of these opportunities. For example, people receiving financial assistance, or on Medicaid that also qualify for Medicare benefits may be able to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options® plan — a type of Dual Special Needs Plan — that offers additional benefits and features. Depending on where you live, benefits can include dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; and can even include credits to buy healthy food! Learn more at www.uhccommunityplan.com/ma.

With a UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options plan, one of the highest rated plans in Massachusetts, you will also receive transportation to health care appointments and financial assistance to help purchase approved health items. You will also have someone to help you manage and coordinate care. All of these additional benefits may be available at no additional cost. However, according to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 80% of people eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan are not enrolled in one, so make sure to ask your health insurance provider or a licensed agent, or check the website to determine your eligibility.

It’s important to have the right kind of health coverage for your needs, and to save as much money as possible. Asking these questions will help guide your conversation with your insurance provider so that you can make the most of your coverage while saving money.

UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options (SCO) is a Coordinated Care Plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is a voluntary program that is available to anyone 65 and older who qualifies for MassHealth Standard and Original Medicare. If you have MassHealth Standard, but you do not qualify for Original Medicare, you may still be eligible to enroll in our MassHealth Senior Care Option plan and receive all of your MassHealth benefits through our SCO program.

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