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What to know about 2026 OTC, healthy food and utility benefit changes

UnitedHealthcare·September 24, 2026
What to know about 2026 OTC, healthy food and utility benefit changes

UnitedHealthcare has announced updates for 2026 regarding supplemental benefits for Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) members, noting that eligibility for healthy food and utility credits will now require a qualifying chronic health condition. This shift follows the conclusion of the CMS Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) model, which previously allowed for broader non-medical benefit distribution. Despite these changes, the insurer expects that the majority of its D-SNP members will continue to qualify for these essential allowances.

HNH Insight

This article highlights a significant regulatory shift in 2026 where CMS is ending the VBID model, directly impacting how Medicare Advantage plans can offer flexible spending allowances for non-medical needs like groceries and utilities.

Read original article on UnitedHealthcare
Medicare Advantage
Medicaid
OTC benefits
healthy food allowance
CMS
D-SNP

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