Healthcare is confusing enough on its own and it can be even more confusing when it comes to what your insurance plan will cover beyond typical medical coverage. You are a WellCare member, or you are a potential member looking into their plans and maybe you have heard about the free stuff, value-added benefits that come with their healthcare packages. So what does WellCare-free stuff actually consist of? So how do you get them and are they really no-cost?
This post will focus on the additional benefits and freebies that you can access via WellCare, with a more detailed breakdown in this comprehensive guide of things like monthly health item/health rewards programs, devices for free, wellness inc memberships. These perks are extras to help you stay healthier and more comfortable on Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) without any additional cost. Keep reading to learn all about what WellCare has for free, how it works and my tips on getting the most out of them.
What is WellCare?
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc. — Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. is a leading managed care provider of government-sponsored health plans for families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the country. Since it was founded in 1985 and refocused through the Centene Corporation umbrella, WellCare has been dedicated to serving its members with affordable, high-quality healthcare care services.
WellCare provides a number of different types of health plans, suchjson
- Medicaid Plans — for low-income individuals and families who qualify
- Private Medicare Health plans for seniors and people with specific disabilities
- D-SNPs (Dual Special Needs Plans) for those who have Medicare and Medicaid
A key piece of WellCare's playbook involves offering value-added benefits — not just as a perk to traditional healthcare but in such a way that improves members' overall well-being. These free stuf–er… extras are available at no extra cost to members.
The Help-has-to-be-free Health Plan Concept
Plus, you might be curious as to why an insurance company would ever give away “free stuff.” The capacity predicates are just one piece of the total solution, but they are rooted in a dynamic repositioning of importance since the landscape for health care is dominant due to move towards prevention, early intervention and overall wellness as central needed standards for cost reduction over time and improvements envisioned by patients.
In the realm of health plans, free stuff is extra benefits or incentives which serve to incent healthy behaviors as well provide more concrete support. This can include anything from gift cards and health and wellness items to devices like a blood pressure cuff, transportation services or even sending groceries.
Which goes a long way for Medicaid and Medicare plans in particular to:
- Support preventive care & Chronic Disease Management
- Address members’ social determinants of health
- Reduce barriers to care access
- Encourage engagement with health programs
Companies like WellCare offer this type of value-added benefit to its members.
WellCare Value Added 'Free Stuff' & Benefits
Goodies: WellCare freebies vary from state to state and plan to plan. With an eye toward that last question, here are some of the most popular free extras and value-added services WellCare offers based on state-specific data available in Kentucky, North Carolina, among other states.
WellCare Spendables® Card
This has proven to be an extremely popular benefit, as it comes in the form of a WellCare Spendables® Card — a prepaid debit card for members to use on more than 6000 approved health-related over-the-counter (OTC) products.
- This card is loaded with a predetermined amount; usually between $10 and $25 monthly, varying by number of persons in the household and by plan.
- The card can be used by members for an extended range of beneficial categories including, vitamins, bandages, pain relievers and personal care items at select pharmacies, grocery stores, or online merchants.
- This card makes it easy to get a discount on common health needs, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
This is a direct effort from us toward elimination of members basic healthcare need at no added cost.
My Health Pays® Rewards Program
The My Health Pays® Rewards Program is offered to plan members in states that include Kentucky and North Carolina, incentivizing healthy behaviors.
- Points or credits are earned by the members for taking part in approved activities (For example:-).
- Preventive health screenings
- Annual wellness visits
- Immunizations
- Yes, except for specifically participating in health coaching or fitness programs
- You can redeem your points for gift cards to dozens of popular retailers or restaurants.
- The program provides an incentive for members to act early and be proactive in managing their health.
Monthly FREE Health & Wellness Items
WellCare Kentucky Medicaid members can earn monthly rewards for doing easy activities to help them be healthy!
- Families receive a $10, $20 or $25 monthly benefit to purchase OTC.
- That includes vitamins, health monitors, first aid supplies, and more.
- Instead, this allowance encourages continued personal-care and allows for the maintenance chronic conditions without further cost.
Additional Member Benefits
In addition to the above, WellCare also provides a nice range of additional benefits at no cost to Medicaid members including:
- Grants: $1,000 annual student scholarships for student members pursuing higher education
- Cell Phones & Service Plans: Free or Cheap Phones with T/T/D Plans.
- Baby and Toddler Basics: Includes items such as car seats, strollers, diapers, & baby food.
- Youth Memberships: Enrollment in clubs like Girl Scouts or Boys & Girls Clubs.
- Exercise & Cooking – such as summer meal services for children and cooking demonstrations.
- Free Sports Physicals and Vision Screenings and More
- Transportation: Medical non-emergency transportation service.
All of these benefits vary by state and plan but collectively demonstrate WellCare's focus on holistic care that goes beyond the doctor's office.
WellCare Free Benefits Access Points
In general, they can be easy to access, but you need to know what programs are available through your plan.
STEP 1: READ YOUR PLAN DOCUMENTS.
Call Member Services — check your member handbook or plan summary online. List of Covered Benefits With No Extra Paperwork
Step 2: Contact Member Services
Contact the number on your ID card for more information about these services or how to enroll/file a claim.
Step 3: Sign Up for Rewards Programs
If your plan has My Health Pays® or a similar program, you will need to enroll using the WellCare website or app.
Step 4: Spend Your Spendables Card
Simple, activate and swipe your card whenever you visit any of the retailers wherein OTC benefits are accepted. Save documentation for if you have been reimbursed
Step 5: Participate in Wellness Programs
Earn rewards and get free stuff by engaging in health coaching, screenings or other preventative services.
Step 6: Stay Updated
Benefits can change yearly. Keep up to date through WellCare's member portal, newsletters, or state Medicaid communications.
State-by-State Variability: What to Expect
The amount of WellCare free stuff available is not the same across the board. You get free OH claims for Medicaid in each state, which negotiates its own contracts and benefits
- KY, NC, FL etc.
- Your particular WellCare plan (Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, D-SNP)
- State Medicaid rules and funding
The best way to make sure is to contact WellCare or your state Medicaid office in the first place because some states have unique offerings for certain of those conditions.
Other Free Stuff in Medicaid Plans
And, for all its attention on WellCare, Medicaid plans across the country offer some pretty cool one-size-fits-all benefits for free.
- Mobile technology such as glucose monitors or blood pressure cuffs.
- Healthy food delivery services
- Support and resources for mental health session
- Emergency preparedness kits
Members can appreciate and get the most of out page 6 — When members see the big picture, they can better understand and maximize their WellCare benefits.
Conclusion
In addition to comprehensive insurance coverage, WellCare Health Plans delivers a variety of cost-free benefits and value-added services that work in tandem to best support your health and wellness. WellCare is here to guide you with Spendables cards loaded with OTC product allowances and rewards programs that help you maintain good health–and offer a dose of “free stuff” that can go a long way towards meeting your healthcare needs.
Keep in mind, these benefits are not available in all states or plan types so be sure to check what is offered where you live. Be sure to contact WellCare Member Services and check their website, as well as get active with wellness programs to access all the freebies available for you.
Leveraging all of these additional benefits not only shaves dollars and cents from your bottom line, but it helps you live healthier, happier lives. Get started today and take advantage of the benefits WellCare has to offer!