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N.Y.C. Council speaker calls on Mayor Eric Adams to resign; KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings; OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts; Protesters say Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy.'

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On a Middle East visit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal rejects a Gaza takeover. President's Day protests erupt around the country against White House moves, and another aviation accident draws attention to recent FAA cuts.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

D-SNP plans offer expanded healthcare benefits for North Carolinians

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Wednesday, November 20, 2024   

People in North Carolina who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may have access to special healthcare coverage that addresses more than just medical needs. Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans, or "D-SNPs," are designed to provide extra benefits, including preventive care and help with social needs like transportation, utility bills and healthy foods.

Marian Cabanillas, with UnitedHealthcare Community & State, said the plans are broad ranging.

"Healthcare isn't just about going to the doctor and getting those preventive visits and all that done. That's very important, but there are also other, really important things that impact our ability to access health care - transportation, money, you know, education - like, all of those pieces," she explained.

She said these plans help bridge the gap to provide more comprehensive coverage for those who need it most. North Carolina has seen a significant increase in D-SNP enrollment in the past decade, growing from just over 17,000 people in 2015 to more than 107,000 in 2021, according to the North Carolina Medical Journal.

D-SNP plans also offer zero-dollar monthly premiums for those who qualify, though eligibility depends on factors such as income and location. Cabanillas added that these plans go beyond traditional healthcare coverage, offering resources that can help with everyday essentials.

"But one of the great benefits that these plans offer is that they have their member ID card is actually called the UnitedHealthcare U-Card. And you can use it to pay for a variety of different things, including things like healthy food. You can also use it to buy over-the-counter products like toothpaste or Tylenol," she continued.

Open enrollment for D-SNPs continues until December 7th. Cabanillas said anyone who wants to know more can look online at 'getdual.com.'

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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