Open enrollment tips for Nevadans eligible for Medicaid and Medicare

Medicare open enrollment is in full swing now through Dec. 7 and experts said many people qualify for extra benefits but miss out because they fail to apply.

Nearly half of the people across the country who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are not signed up for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan.

Marian Cabanillas, Community and State CEO for UnitedHealthcare, said it is no good for low-income, older Nevadans to leave benefits on the table.

“We encourage folks to make sure that they are aware of what they’re eligible for, so that they can enroll,” Cabanillas emphasized. “That coverage is so important, so essential, to kind of bring all of those pieces together.”

People can contact the Nevada Medicare Assistance Program online or at 800-307-4444 to speak with a Medicare specialist about what are known as Dual Special Needs Plans. UnitedHealthcare also has information online at getdual.com.

Cabanillas pointed out Medicare Parts ‘A’ through ‘D’ and Medicaid offer different benefits, so it is important to consult a care coordinator.

“Medicare covers that hospital piece and the doctors’ visits,” Cabanillas noted. “Combining that with your prescription drug benefits, and then your Medicaid benefits can often offer long-term care support services as well.”

Some Dual Special Needs Plans cover things traditional Medicare does not, like vision, hearing and dental care, transportation to doctors’ appointments and help with groceries and utilities.

Related: Medicare and Medicaid turn 60, but their legacy is now in danger