How To Apply To Get A Free Fitbit Through Medicaid – In today’s digital driven era technology is not only enhancing convenience but also transforming accessibility of healthcare facilities. One such example is Fitbit devices that help in tracking physical activity, providing personalized health insights and monitoring vital signs like sleep patterns and heart rate.
These are not only trendy gadgets but also serve as a significant tool to manage health effectively and promote overall wellness. A lot of Medicaid recipients wonder whether they can obtain a free Fitbit through healthcare coverage. In this comprehensive guide we will help you know how to obtain a free Fitbit through Medicaid and will walk you through the alternate options if you fail to qualify for the Medicaid program.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility for a free Fitbit through Medicaid requires meeting specific state regulations, having a prescription from a healthcare provider, and proving chronic health conditions like obesity or diabetes.
- Medicaid coverage for Fitbit devices varies by state and specific Medicaid programs; it may be available under wellness programs aimed at managing chronic diseases.
- Required documents include proof of Medicaid enrollment, residency, income verification, and a prescription or recommendation from a healthcare provider.
- Fitbit has partnered with Medicaid programs in certain states, like Georgia, to provide devices to individuals with specific health conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes.
- Alternative health insurance providers, like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield, offer discounts and programs for obtaining fitness trackers like Fitbit.
What Is A Fitbit?
A wearable fitness track sold by Fitbit Inc. the consumer electronics company is known as Fitbit. Even though it is common for high tech devices and mobile phones to track simple metrics like the number of steps that you have taken, a few fitbits monitor sophisticated health data for instance oxygen saturation, and amount of hemoglobin not carrying oxygen.
Fitbit is presently working with many health plans in Medicare Advantage like Humana, Senior Care Action Network and UnitedHealthcare. It has been included in wellness kids that support senior health and has been distributed to Medicare recipients by a few health plans.
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Does Medicaid Cover Fitbit?
Medicaid coverage for fitness devices like Fitbit is not available across all U.S. states and plans for stuff the coverage may vary depending on the particular Medicaid program you’re applying in this state’s regulations as well. In a few cases Medicaid can cover the device as a part of the chronic disease management or Wellness program to improve health outcomes.
Fitbit Partnership With Medicaid Plan
Fitbit has partnered with the Medicaid program in Georgia to help people access mHealth. Nearly 4000 people who are living with Type 2 Diabetes are enrolled in Georgia’s WellCare Medicaid plan and can now use mHealth to take good care of their health. Starting from 1st January 2020 the collaboration helped recipients get devices once they complete their annual diabetic retinal exam.
The partnership with WellCare is a sign to make health accessible to all particularly recipients enrolled in Medicaid plans. Fitbits mHealth wearable are also included in Medicare Advantage plans that are provided by three different insurers including UnitedHealthcare. A lot of WellCare of Georgia Medicaid beneficiaries received Fitbit through the health plan due to this collaboration.
Fitbit’s offering through WellCare in Georgia allows enrollees to get Fitbit inspired device and access to amazing educational activities and materials. The device can track their sleep patterns, exercise and steps. Following are the key points that you need to consider if you want to get free Fitbit for Medicaid coverage:
- The Medicaid program is administered by individual U.S. states therefore the coverage policy may differ significantly. In a few states like Georgia Medicaid coverage for Fitbit devices are available under certain considerations for instance managing the specific health condition or participating in Wellness programs.
- Medicaid offers Wellness programs that include incentives such as fitness devices. The programs help in managing chronic diseases and promoting healthy behaviors.
- Medicaid requires prior authorization before providing Fitbit devices. It means your healthcare provider needs to certify that having a fitness device like Fitbit will help in your health management system.
- In order to find out if your Medicaid Plan offers coverage for Fitbit or other fitness plans or not you need to contact your Medicaid provider directly. They will provide you detailed information about the eligibility criteria, the coverage and other steps that will help you to obtain the device.
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What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Get Free Fitbit Device Through Medicaid?
In order to qualify for a free Fitbit device for government assistance programs like Medicaid you generally need to meet certain eligibility criteria that will be based on the particular Medicaid program and the state regulations. Following is the list of eligibility criteria that may apply:
- Must have a prescription from your healthcare provider or prior authorization about obtaining a Fitbit device considered necessary for your health needs.
- Must meet the specific state regulations or guidelines of the Medicaid Wellness program.
- Must have a written prescription from your healthcare provider that you are suffering from chronic health conditions like obesity or diabetes and having a fitness device will help to manage your health effectively.
- Meet particular requirements of Medicaid Wellness programs like meeting fitness goals, attending health education sessions or reporting health data regularly.
- Must have income at or below a specific percentage of the federal poverty level. The income limits may vary as every state administers its own Medicaid program.
- Must be a citizen of the United States or qualified immigrants with documented immigration status.
- A few demographics such as elderly individuals, people with disabilities, pregnant women or those with chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity may have different income guidelines to qualify.
- Must be a resident of the state from where you are applying for the Medicaid coverage and provide proof of residency in the form of rent or utility bills, lease agreement etc.
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What Are The Documents Required To Get Free Fitbit Device Through Medicaid?
In order to get a free Fitbit device through the Medicaid program candidates need to provide certain information and documents to qualify. Following are the common documents that are required:
- Proof of enrollment in your state’s Medicaid program such as Medicaid card or any official enrollment letter.
- Documents that verify your current address like lease agreement, utility bill or voter registration card.
- Valid identification documents like state ID card, drivers license number certificate or passport.
- Prescription or recommendation from your healthcare provider stating that a Fitbit device is necessary for your health condition.
- Income verification documents like tax returns, letters from your employer, pay stubs or bank statements.
- Prior authorization for a few medical devices like Fitbit from your Medicaid provider.
- Proof of residency in form of utility bill, voter registration card or lease agreement.
- Evidence of participation in Wellness programs in form of attendance records, health education sessions or any fitness goals or progress reports.
How Can I Get a Free Fitbit Through Medicaid?
Obtaining a free Fitbit through Medicaid may not be an easy task as it requires you to follow step-by-step procedure. A few steps required to obtain a free Fitbit are as follows:
- Check Your Medicaid Coverage: The first and foremost step is to make sure your Medicaid plan covers fitness or Wellness programs that may include wearable fitness devices like Fitbit. The coverage may vary as per the specific Medicaid plan and your state of residence so it is important to verify with your Medicaid provider.
- Prepare Relevant Documents: You need to gather relevant documents like proof of residency, Medicaid enrollment verification, proof of identity, healthcare provider recommendations or prescriptions and so on.
- Wellness Programs: A few Medicaid plans provide Wellness programs that include incentives like discounted or free fitness devices. The eligibility criteria of the program varies and is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle among the recipients.
- Contact Your Medicaid Provider: You need to reach out to your Medicaid provider or check the official Medicaid website to get more details on the available Wellness programs. You will find details about the eligibility criteria and how to enroll in the program.
- Enroll In The Program: In case there is a Wellness program that comprises fitness devices like Fitbit, follow the right enrollment instructions provided by your Medicaid provider. This requires you to fill out the application form, meet health criteria and attend informational sessions.
- Get Your Fitbit: Once you have enrolled in the Medicaid program and have fulfilled the eligibility criteria you can get your Fitbit or be guided on how to obtain it through the program.
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Overcoming Claim Denials
It is important to adhere to your insurance companies procedure to claim free Fitbit and also address the potential claim denials. You need to take well-informed, timely and systemic responses if you face a denial.
No matter whether you’re applying for federal insurance or private insurance it is important to understand the specification of your insurance policy regarding the benefits of fitness tracker and have clarity on whether your claim will be approved or not. Consider the following steps if a claim denial occurs.
- Carefully examine the denial letter to know the reason for the rejection of the claim. Contact your insurance company to get an explanation and ask for specific information or documentation for reconsideration.
- Gather all relevant documents like medical records and receipts to justify your need for a fitness tracker. Submit all the documents promptly in case they were missing from your initial claim or offer additional documents if requested.
- File a formal appeal with the insurance provider if the denial seems unjustified. Seek assistance from an insurance expert or legal expert if needed particularly if the appeal process is quite complex or if the initial appeal is unsuccessful.
How To Get A Free Fitbit Through Private Insurance?
In today’s digital and health conscious society, Fitbit devices and other wearable technology have become significantly important in tracking and monitoring an active health and lifestyle.
Besides Medicaid there are many insurance companies that are recognizing the importance of wearable technology to improve people’s health outcomes and have partnered with the tech firms to provide the devices as a part of their health incentives and Wellness programs.
- Enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Motion Program if you are a member and get a complimentary fitness tracker.
- Understand the Motion Program requirements and earn credits to work out to qualify for free Fitbit or Apple Watch with UnitedHealthcare Motion Program.
- Consider using the Attain by Aetna app if you are an Aetna customer. You can also review the Aetna Apple Watch payment plan over 24 months with workout points and pay the difference if you don’t meet your activity goals.
- Save dollars on Active & Fit subscriptions if you are a Cigna customer. The subscription can include promo for free apple or Fitbit watch.
- Enroll in the Go365 Program by Humana to earn credits through workouts that can help you get an exchange for Garmin or Fitbit.
- Check Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shields discount and get 22% off on your new Fitbit device including a complementary year of Fitbit premium.
Which Insurance Companies Provide Fitness Tracker Discounts?
In case Medicaid does not cover Fitbit devices in your state then you can consider alternate programs or resources that offer discounted or free Fitbit devices for health management purposes. The following health insurance providers have helped as well as Wellness programs that provide amazing discounts to the members and fitness trackers including Garmin devices, Fitbits and Apple watches.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield has partnered with Fitbit to have a specific deal on the fitness tracking device for 60 million of its members. The company aims to help consumers to create and maintain healthy habits. According to the company this strategic collaboration will help in upgrading personalized health and Wellness.
The collaboration allows Blue Cross Blue shield customers to get amazing discounts ranging between 15% to 49% for every purchase that they make for obtaining Fitbit devices. A few examples of Fitbit products that are available through the discount are inclusive of Versa Ionic, Charge 2 and many more.
Blue 365 Program
A discount Wellness program of Blue Cross Blue Shield that allows customers to get discounted Fitbits is known as Blue 365 program. An additional offer will be accessible if they tie their purchase with membership at Fitness Your Way Gym from Tivity Health. With this program customers can get benefits from other deals with inclusion of the following
- Fitness gear
- Gym membership
- Vision and dental products
- Services executed to stress management
- Options about healthy eating
- Hearing aids
The program teams up with the recruiters to build a healthy culture in the workspace and provide members with low cost products associated with their overall well-being and health. For the employees their employers can sponsor purchase of the fitness tracking device Fitbit or purchase in bulk.
The initiative offers policy holders a discount up to 20% on the Fitbit device. For instance if the retail price of the two is $299.95 then members of Blue Cross Blue shield will get it at $237 dollars. Members are qualified for 12 months of Fitbit premium for no cost.
UnitedHealthcare Motion For Fitbit Charge 2
UnitedHealthcare Motion is a Wellness program that is associated with wearable devices that is sponsored by employers. UnitedHealthcare offers many programs to employers that allow Fitbit to charge consumers to track the activity metrics against the program.
As per the company this collaboration enables members of the Motion Program to make annual rewards up to $1500 to meet everyday goals. This program is available for mid sized and large employers on a national level and the availability is limited for small businesses.
UnitedHealthcare Motion Rewards Program For Apple Watch
Apart from collaborating with Fitbit the United Healthcare has also collaborated with Apple for providing incentives to its employees. UnitedHealthcare Motion Rewards Program has made it possible for its customers to get a free Apple Watch.
The digitalized national Wellness program allows eligible recipients of the plan to get fitness trackers that allow them to earn $1000 every year by fulfilling specific everyday walking goals. Employees who are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Motion can earn dollars for meeting the following goals:
- Frequency Goal that will fetch you $1.50 daily if you reach 500 steps in 7 minutes or six times daily with a distance of at least an hour.
- Intensity Goal that will fetch you $1.25 every day if you hit approximately 3000 steps in 30 minutes a day.
- Tenacity Step that will fetch you $1.25 if you can walk 10,000 steps throughout the day.
Cigna
The Healthy Rewards Program by Cigna provides its members amazing discounts on Garmin and Fitbit activity trackers as well as smartwatches. The reward program provides promotions and discounts on weight management programs, lasik vision correction, fitness club membership, home delivery meal services and alternative medicines like chiropractors, acupuncture or massage therapists.
John Hancock
John Hancock provides a specialized life insurance program named as John Hancock Vitality that allows users to get a free Amazon Hollow Device or Apple Watch for as low as $25 including tax with a three-year commitment to be enrolled in the program.
A mobile app powers the Amazon Hollow Device that assesses the habits of the wearer, measures their activity and sleep pattern to encourage healthier habits through the app. You need to sync your profile with the Vitality Account or earn vitality points for many healthy actions. With John Hancock Vitality you get Apple Watch and Amazon has low fitness trackers at a discounted rate.
Kaiser Permanente
The ChooseHealthy Program sponsored by Kaiser Permanente provides amazing discounts on activity trackers such as Garmin and Fitbit.
You can get low cost rates on workout apparels from top brands like 2XU, PRO compression, Skechers, plus exercise equipment from BOSU, TRX and many more. It is important to note that the insurance company has specified that this program is not open to mitigate recipients currently.
Aetna
Aetna is another insurance company that has collaborated with Apple to provide subsidies for Apple Watch recruiters and consumers. Aetna has designed a Wellness program in the form of a game that makes it more appealing for the customers. This helps members to show more willingness to get involved and obtain improved outcomes.
Apple has partnered with Aetna and has launched the Attain by Aetna App to offer revolutionary health experiences. This app provides big prizes for attainable actions and individualized goals which seems appealing to gym goers and fitness enthusiasts. In order to take part in the program individuals need to have an Apple Watch series or the latest version or iPhone 5S or the latest version.
Conclusion
Obtaining a free Fitbit through the joint federal and state healthcare program Medicaid is not only about getting a high tech technological device but also about taking good care of your well-being and health with the support of healthcare initiatives and innovative technology. In order to qualify for a free Fitbit device to Medicaid you need to be enrolled in your state’s Medicaid program and meet certain eligibility criteria regarding your income, health condition, residency and citizenship. In this guide we have also provided a list of alternate avenues that provides healthcare coverage for Fitbit. These technological devices are vital in promoting physical activity, supporting people in managing their chronic conditions and monitoring vital health metrics. For Medicaid recipients this amazing technology can prove to be a game changer that will help them to make well informed decisions about lifestyle, habits and health.
Learn more about government assistance programs at our Get Government Grants’ section today. Our resources will help you to find the right type of support based on your needs and requirements.