Our New D-SNP Line of Business Launching on January 1, 2026

Meridian is excited to announce the launch of a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HIDE D-SNP), branded WellCare by Meridian, effective January 1, 2026, as part of Michigan’s MI Coordinated Health Plan. This new product will replace the current MI Health Link Program, MeridianComplete which will conclude on December 31, 2025.

What is “Duals”?

• Dual-eligible members are those that qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. They are among our most vulnerable, with complex health conditions that are further complicated by age and income status. WellCare and Meridian are creating a new, standalone Duals Line of Business with a strategy, operating model, and benefit design to create a single, integrated experience for these members and their providers.
• Duals plans offer tailored benefits to meet the unique needs of individuals who qualify for both programs, combining Medicare’s coverage (hospital, medical, prescription drugs) with Medicaid’s services (long-term care, behavioral health, and other state-specific services).
• WellCare offers several types of plans for dual-eligible members that vary based on the level of integration required between Medicare and Medicaid

Reason for Change:

• New federal and state requirements are driving changes that create better experiences and outcomes for dual-eligible members through better coordination between Medicare and Medicaid programs. These policy changes and codifications aim to increase enrollment in integrated and aligned Duals plans, allowed more seamless care though a single entity that would both Medicare and Medicaid. This will support an improved member experience and better health outcomes for more than 12 million beneficiaries.

Benefits of the Duals Operating Model

• Making it easier for our members to navigate the health care system:
  1. One member ID card & consolidated member materials
  2. Single, integrated claims experience
  3. Single care manager
  4. Simplified benefit and coverage detail

• Making it easier for our providers to work with us:
  1. Single claims experience and single payment
  2. Simplified benefit and coverage detail