Brand New Day, in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, is committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes for California residents, particularly those with chronic conditions or dual special needs. Through innovative Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental benefits, they strive to make healthcare more affordable and convenient, focusing on a holistic approach that includes access to healthy foods.
Brand New Day: A Legacy of Healthcare Innovation
For over 35 years, Brand New Day has been a leading provider of healthcare services in California, focusing on complex and vulnerable populations. As a Bright Health Group organization, Brand New Day offers Medicare Advantage health plans with enhanced benefits, demonstrating its deep roots in California. Shawn Dewers, Bright Health Group California president, emphasizes the company's commitment to extending unique benefits to those who need them most.
Brand New Day's approach includes offering Medicare Part B rebates of up to $1,800 per year in select counties, effectively lowering members’ monthly Part B premiums. Furthermore, their Comprehensive Care Management Programs incorporate no-cost, state-of-the-art home medical telemedicine services, facilitating the monitoring of health improvements.
The company's mission is encapsulated in its tagline, "Healthcare You Can Feel Good About," reflecting its commitment to helping members navigate the complex healthcare system and improve their quality of life.
UnitedHealthcare: Empowering Members with UCard Benefits
UnitedHealthcare complements Brand New Day's efforts by providing eligible members with Medicare Advantage plans access to the UnitedHealthcare UCard®. This card is loaded with credits that can be used to purchase covered over-the-counter (OTC) products and wellness support.
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The UCard offers flexibility and convenience, allowing members to shop for a wide range of brand-name and generic products at over 65,000 retail locations, including Walmart and CVS. Online shopping is also available through the UCard Hub on the member website or the UnitedHealthcare app.
Natharan P., a UnitedHealthcare member, enthusiastically shares his experience: "UnitedHealthcare has been great for me. I got a UCard and I love the UCard. I can buy groceries, aspirin. I can get whatever I need." He also appreciates the convenience of the UnitedHealthcare app, which allows him to scan products to verify coverage.
Focus on Healthy Foods
A key aspect of the UCard benefit is its ability to provide access to healthy foods. Natharan P. highlights this, noting that he can purchase "vegetables, fruit, milk, juice, on that order." This focus on wholesome foods aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in maintaining good health and managing chronic conditions.
For eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs plans (D-SNP), credits can be used to purchase not only OTC products but also healthy food. While verification of a qualifying chronic condition will be required for healthy food and utility purchases in 2026, UnitedHealthcare has already verified the condition for a significant portion of its eligible members.
UnitedHealthcare emphasizes that healthy food benefits are not affected by government shutdowns or changes in SNAP (food stamps).
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Accessibility and Ease of Use
UnitedHealthcare has made it easy for members to check which products are covered while shopping. The UnitedHealthcare app features a product scanner that allows members to quickly verify coverage in-store.
The over-the-counter credit provides access to everyday healthcare products at no cost, giving members the flexibility to choose from thousands of brand-name and generic products.
Considerations and Limitations
It is important to note that benefits, features, and devices may vary by plan and area. Limitations, exclusions, and network restrictions may apply. Additionally, food, OTC, and utility benefits have expiration timeframes. Members are encouraged to call their plan or review their Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information.
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