GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amerigroup will be working with Walmart to give 2019 Medicare Advantage (MA) plan consumers the ability to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health-related products through Walmart’s multiple shopping options, including in-store and online, using the OTC allowance available through many of its MA plans. In addition, consumers enrolled in a 2019 Amerigroup MA plan that offers the option of an assistive device benefit will be able to purchase home safety items, such as shower grab bars and elevated toilet seats, through Walmart due to its comprehensive merchandise selection.
“Amerigroup strives to develop meaningful products and solutions that create a better healthcare experience for our consumers as well as improve their health and well-being,” said Ken Satrom, President of Amerigroup Texas Medicare. “This initiative combines Amerigroup’s deep understanding of the needs of older adults with Walmart’s unwavering commitment to saving people money and developing a seamless shopping experience. We believe this agreement can make a significant difference for Medicare-eligible consumers who often live on a fixed income, manage chronic conditions, or both.”
Amerigroup will also significantly increase the OTC allowance for many of its 2019 Medicare Advantage health plans to as much as $360 per quarter. Individuals enrolled in Amerigroup’s 2019 Medicare Advantage plans will be able to use this increased benefit to purchase OTC medications and health-related products, such as first aid supplies, support braces, and pain relievers.
The Amerigroup-Walmart program, launching in January 2019, and the increased OTC allowance are expected to reduce healthcare costs for individuals because both will help give consumers the ability to purchase more items through their health plan benefits since Walmart is dedicated to offering products at low prices. This may lead individuals in Amerigroup’s MA plans to buy fewer items on their own.
This collaboration is also designed to give people improved access to health-related products covered under Amerigroup’s MA plans since more than 90 percent of Americans live within ten miles of Walmart’s more than 4,700 stores. Individuals have the option of shipping purchased items to their home or a nearby store when they shop on Walmart.com or use an app designed for this program.
These types of benefits can be important to older adults who seek more value for their money. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly a quarter of married seniors and four out of 10 unmarried older adults rely on their Social Security benefit, which averages just over $1,400 a month, for at least 90 percent of their income.
The following 2019 Amerigroup Medicare Advantage health plans will have an over-the-counter allowance at the amounts shown for individuals to purchase OTC items:
- Amerivantage Select (HMO): Up to $200 per quarter
- Amerivantage Classic (HMO): Up to $200 per quarter
- Amerivantage Dual Coordination (HMO SNP): Up to $310 per quarter
- Amerivantage Dual Premier (HMO SNP): $165 per quarter
- Amerivantage Diabetes (HMO SNP): $200 per quarter
- Amerivantage Heart (HMO SNP): $200 per quarter
- Amerivantage COPD (HMO SNP): $200 per quarter
- Amerivantage Dual Secure (HMO SNP): Up to $360 per quarter
- Amerivantage ESRD (HMO-POS SNP): $80 per quarter
Consumers with health coverage through Amerivantage Select (HMO) and Amerivantage Dual Secure (HMO SNP) will also have the ability to select an assistive device benefit that will give them an allowance of $500 to purchase items that may prevent accidental injuries or falls at home, including hand-held shower heads, reaching devices, and temporary wheelchair ramps.
Amerigroup believes consumers will see the value in shopping at Walmart to purchase the health-related products covered under their health plans – given the retailer’s commitment to value – but if an individual wants to use a different retailer, the company will have other shopping choices available that may better meet his/her needs.
For details about Amerigroup’s Medicare plans, consumers can call (888) 816-3853, which is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 1 to Sept. 30; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, Oct. 1 to March 31. Individuals can also visit the company’s online store at shop.amerigroup.com/medicare/.
Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO/POS CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Amerigroup Texas, Inc. depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-805-4589 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-866-805-4589 (TTY: 711). This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare.
About Amerigroup
Amerigroup is part of the Anthem Government Business Division (GBD). Through the GBD, Anthem serves 7.4 million seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and other state and federally sponsored beneficiaries, and National Government Services enrollees (including the Federal Employee Program) in 26 states, making us one of the nation’s leading providers of health care solutions for public programs. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability.
