Diabetes is a serious, long-lasting disease. It takes good diabetes care management to keep diabetes in check. There’s no cure for diabetes. But people with diabetes can still live long and happy lives. The key is to stay on top of diabetes preventive care and keeping blood sugar levels low. Having the right health plan can help too. 

Dual-eligible health plans (also called Dual Special Needs Plans or D-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan for people who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. That’s what the term “dual-eligible” means. This article highlights 5 ways a dual health plan can help people with diabetes better manage their diabetes care.

Dual health plans can help pay for insulin, insulin pens, syringes, needles and other diabetes supplies. Dual health plans also cover prescription drugs to help with diabetes. Some diabetes medicines lower blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Other diabetes-related medicines help lower blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.  

Besides insulin, it takes testing strips and all sorts of other medical supplies to manage diabetes effectively. For people with diabetes, the cost of diabetic supplies can add up fast. But again, this is another area that a dual-eligible health plan may help. 

The Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit is a valuable benefit that’s included with dual health plans from UnitedHealthcare.* This benefit gives our members a flexible monthly credit they can use to buy thousands of over-the-counter products at many retailers. Whether it’s gauze, alcohol swabs, a blood pressure monitor or other supplies to help with diabetes care, you can buy them with your credit instead of paying out of your own pocket. And if you need things like aspirin, vitamins, toothpaste, denture supplies or bandages, you could use your credit to buy those items as well.

UnitedHealthcare members can also use their Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit to buy approved groceries at no cost to them.  The wide range of choices include fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, eggs and dairy products and many other healthy food items.

Healthy eating is a critical part of good diabetes care management. The diabetes A1C test tracks diabetes blood sugar levels over a 2- 3-month time. Foods that are high in carbohydrates (carbs), like pasta, bread and cereal can raise blood sugar. But eating healthy foods can help quickly lower A1C blood sugar levels. Eat lots of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole-grain and high-fiber foods. Limit packaged, processed and take-out foods that can be high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. Be careful with serving size too. Eating less could be one of the best ways to manage diabetes and reduce blood sugar levels.

Besides better diet and nutrition, exercise is one of the most important lifestyle changes that can help lower A1C blood sugar levels. And there are many more health benefits that come with being physically active. That’s why many UnitedHealthcare dual health plans include the Renew Active® fitness program.* This benefit gives members a free standard membership at gyms and fitness centers, plus access to group classes and online brain exercises. 

Living with diabetes or other long-term illnesses can be hard. And people with Medicaid and Medicare tend to have quite a lot of health care needs. With a UnitedHealthcare Dual Special Needs Plan, you could get a coordinated care experience to help manage your diabetes care plan as well as any other health issues you may have.

Members of UnitedHealthcare dual health plans have a Navigator to help them find their way in the health care system. Your Navigator is a single point of contact who’ll get to know you and your specific health challenges. Say you had a question about diabetes standards of care or wanted extra support like diabetes or nutrition counseling. You could call your Navigator to get answers and find available programs. Your Navigator will work with you, your family and your caregivers to make sure your care needs are met.  

*Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. For details about the exact Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit included with your 2023 Dual Special Needs Plan, call the number or visit the website printed on the back of your UnitedHealthcare UCard.