California Medicare Options Debut

Another carrier, Alameda Alliance for Health, Alameda, Calif., has upgraded the Alliance CompleteCare health plan, a plan that serves people who are eligible both for Medicare and for Medicaid.

Because of a state budget crisis, California has dropped dental and vision benefits for adults from its Medicaid optional services package.

To make up for those cuts, the Alliance CompleteCare will offer dental coverage through a contract with LIBERTY Dental Plan, Irvine, Calif. The coverage will pay for cleanings, X-rays and fillings, and it also will pay for crowns, bridges and dentures, Alameda Alliance says.

The new vision coverage will pay for eye exams, and it will provide $100 every 2 years for glasses and contacts.