Wellcare Spendables, a component of the Wellcare family of companies, is a healthcare insurance provider that offers various plans for individuals, families, and businesses. One of the key aspects of Wellcare's offerings is its Spendables benefits, which help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses not typically covered by traditional health insurance plans. But what does Wellcare Spendables pay for?
Wellcare Spendables goes beyond the standard health insurance coverage to fill in the gaps and provide additional financial support for a wide range of healthcare services and products. This includes items that are often deemed as 'non-essential' by traditional insurance providers, but can greatly improve one's quality of life and overall health.
Understanding Wellcare Spendables
At its core, Wellcare Spendables is a benefit that allows members to allocate a certain dollar amount towards specific healthcare expenses each year. This flexibility enables members to direct resources towards what matters most to their individual health and wellness needs.
Wellcare Spendables is typically offered as an add-on benefit to Wellcare's other health insurance plans, providing an extra layer of financial protection and assistance. It's designed to help members manage out-of-pocket costs more effectively, offering a tax-advantaged way to pay for qualifying medical expenses.
Eligible Expenses under Wellcare Spendables
Wellcare Spendables can be used to pay for a broad range of healthcare services and products. These can be categorized into a few key areas:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications: This includes wellness products, pain relievers, allergy medications, and more.
- Medical equipment and supplies: Items such as mobility aids, bandages, first aid kits, and medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Assistive tecnology devices: Hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and orthotics are examples of devices that can be covered.
- Dietary supplements and vitamins: Wellcare Spendables can help cover the cost of multivitamins, probiotics, herbal supplements, and more.
Non-Eligible Expenses under Wellcare Spendables
While Wellcare Spendables offers wide-ranging coverage, there are some expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement:
- Services: This includes medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, or surgeries, which are typically covered under the main health insurance plan.
- Non-prescription drugs: Substances like marijuana andreibung products, even if they're legal in your state, generally aren't covered.
- Bare necessities: Items that might seem like basics, like toilet paper or tissues, are usually not eligible for reimbursement.
How Wellcare Spendables Works
Understanding the mechanics of how Wellcare Spendables works can help you maximize the benefit:
Each year, members are allocated a predetermined dollar amount, or 'benefit limit,' which they can use towards eligible expenses. This annual amount is set based on the specific Wellcare Spendables plan the individual or family has elected.
Using the Wellcare Spendables Benefit
Members can take advantage of the Wellcare Spendables benefit in two primary ways:
- Use it upfront: Before making a purchase, members can request a pre-approval for an eligible expense. Wellcare Spendables will fund a portion of the cost directly, deducting the amount from the member's annual benefit limit.
- Submit for reimbursement: After purchasing an eligible item, members can submit a claim for reimbursement. The amount will be deducted from their annual benefit limit, and the member will be reimbursed for the eligible portion of the expense.
Wellcare Spendables provides an added layer of support for managing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, offering members more control over their health expenditure and helping them better plan for their unique healthcare needs. With Wellcare Spendables, you're not just insured; you're empowered to make informed decisions about your health and wellness.