Caregiving for a loved one is a big responsibility, and understanding their health care options shouldn’t add to the stress. Yet, for many caregivers – especially those supporting someone who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid – navigating the complexities of dual eligibility can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin.

Dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs) like Sanford Health Plan’s Align DUALPartnership are designed with both the patient and caregiver in mind. These plans bridge the gap between Medicare and Medicaid – coordinating benefits, reducing out-of-pocket costs and offering additional support services that simplify care for everyone involved.

So rather than juggling disconnected services, deciphering complex rules and managing multiple providers and benefits, everything is together in one comprehensive health plan.

Explaining dual eligibility

Dual eligibility refers to individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, often because of a combination of age, disability and limited income. While dual eligibility can open the door to more comprehensive coverage, it can be complicated to navigate.

The health care system is complex. Add in dual eligibility, and it becomes even more confusing.

If you’ve ever spent hours on the phone sorting through conflicting information or coordinating care across multiple providers, you know how challenging it can be. Align DUALPartnership cuts through all that with one cohesive plan that handles it all – so you’re not doing everything alone.

Benefits beyond the basics

With Align DUALPartnership, members benefit from enhanced coverage that supports every aspect of their health – not just medical care. This isn’t limited to doctors’ visits and prescriptions. The plan takes a more holistic view of what it means for your loved one to stay healthy:

• Dental, vision and hearing coverage: Annual eye exams and hearing exams are covered, along with allowances for dental treatments, eyewear and hearing aids.
• Prescription drug coverage: Medication compliance improves overall health outcomes and reduces stress. $0 copays on many medications help members stay on track of medications without the financial burden. Prescription coverage helps members stay on track of medications while reducing the financial burden.
• Over-the-counter allowances: Over-the-counter allowances support everyday health at home.
• Transportation to medical appointments: Lack of transportation is one of the biggest barriers to care. This plan includes quarterly transportation assistance to help members get to important visits on time.

Caring for the caregiver

Align DUALPartnership recognizes that behind every member is someone who’s making it all happen – and your well-being matters, too. Caregivers manage a lot, from appointments to prescriptions and complex care decisions – all while taking care of their own lives and families. That’s why this plan offers support to ease your responsibilities:

• Health navigator services: Get guidance from experts who can help you understand benefits, coordinate services and navigate the health care system with confidence.
• Coordinated care: Let a dedicated care management team take on the time-consuming tasks of scheduling, referrals and medication management for you.
• Simplified communication: Skip the back and forth. Stay informed with clear, consistent communication between you, their providers and the care team.
• Transportation assistance: If you can’t always get to their appointments, the quarterly transportation benefit helps ease that burden and keep their care on track.

Managing the care of someone with dual eligibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Align DUALPartnership, you get streamlined care for your loved one, along with the tools, resources and support you need.

Download our easy-to-use buyer’s guide for D-SNPs and explore how Align DUALPartnership can make a difference in your caregiver journey.

Sanford Health Plan and Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota have HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Sanford Health Plan D-SNPs have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, or any other classification protected under the law. This information is not a complete list of benefits. Call (888) 605-9277 ( TTY: 711) for more information. If you need language services or information given in a different format please call (888) 278-6485 (TTY: (888) 279-1549). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (888) 278-6485 (TTY: (888) 279-1549). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電(888) 278-6485 (TTY: (888) 279-1549). Our customer service lines are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week, October 1-March 31 except on Christmas and Thanksgiving, and Monday through Friday all other dates except on federal holidays.