If you're eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, a D-SNP plan is designed specifically for you — coordinating your benefits, reducing costs, and simplifying your care.
A Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid — sometimes called "dual eligibles." These plans go beyond standard Medicare Advantage by contracting directly with your state's Medicaid program to coordinate coverage between the two programs.
You may be eligible for a D-SNP if you meet all of the following:
📊 By the numbers: Approximately 12 million Americans are currently dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans are built specifically to serve this population.
When you're a dual eligible, Medicare is always the primary payer for Medicare-covered services. Medicaid acts as a secondary payer and may cover costs Medicare doesn't — including nursing home care, personal care services, and certain home health benefits. Medicaid also pays Medicare premiums for many dual eligibles through Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).
Not all D-SNPs are the same. Plans range from basic coordination to fully integrated dual eligible special needs plans (FIDE-SNPs) that manage both Medicare and Medicaid services through one organization. Fully integrated plans offer the most seamless experience and are available in select states and counties.
Dual-eligible individuals have more flexibility than most Medicare beneficiaries when it comes to enrollment — many qualify for a monthly Special Enrollment Period, allowing them to join, switch, or drop a D-SNP plan once per month throughout the year. You must continue to meet eligibility requirements to stay enrolled.
🤝 Need help figuring out if you qualify? Determining dual eligibility and finding the right D-SNP in your area can be complex. We'll walk you through it step by step.
Qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid opens up a range of benefits most people don't know about. Let's explore your options together.