Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP).
A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid — known as dual-eligible beneficiaries. D-SNPs are designed to coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits in one plan.
Who qualifies for a D-SNP
To enroll in a D-SNP, you must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
- Have full or partial Medicaid eligibility (rules vary by state)
- Live in the plan’s service area
There are several Medicaid eligibility categories that qualify for D-SNP enrollment, including Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI), and full-benefit dual-eligible.
What D-SNPs typically include
D-SNPs include Part A, Part B, and Part D coverage in one plan, plus care coordination across Medicare and Medicaid services. Benefits structures vary by carrier and state.
Enrollment
Dual-eligible beneficiaries have Special Enrollment Periods that allow plan changes at least once per quarter during the first three quarters of the year, plus during AEP.
How a licensed agent helps
A licensed El-Mag agent verifies dual-eligibility, helps you understand which D-SNPs are available in your area, and explains how Medicare and Medicaid coordinate within each plan.
Talk to a licensed agent about D-SNPs.