Are you—or someone you know—enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid?  This may qualify for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). 

As a trained social worker who now helps clients with Medicare, I understand the unique needs and challenges of low-income communities.  Often these communities are underrepresented and underserved.   

The Need for D-SNP Awareness

Due to individual financial circumstances, there are approximately 12 million Americans who are eligible for a unique Medicare/Medicaid solution known as “Dual Eligible Special Needs” (D-SNP).  Given that less than 30% of those eligible are enrolled in a D-SNP plan, there’s a clear need to help make these communities more aware and able to enroll in the benefits they are entitled to. 

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans—Scope of Benefits 

Each state determines which D-SNP plans can be offered and which benefits can be provided.  Depending upon which state you live in, some or all of the following benefits may be included: 

  • $0 monthly premiums 
  • Vision and hearing benefits 
  • Over the counter quarterly benefits 
  • Transportation benefits 
  • Part D coverage 
  • Telehealth services 
  • Gym memberships 

Additionally, if you qualify, a portion or all of Part B premium may be paid for by Medicaid. You may also qualify for Extra Help for Medicare Part D costs.  

Who is Eligible? 

D-SNP plans are for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Plans offer coordinated care between the federal Medicare program and the Medicaid state program while also providing extra coverage not available with Original Medicare. These plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed to meet the specific needs of dually eligible beneficiaries.   

While we believe Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are often the best solution for most people, there are specific circumstances when a Medicare Advantage plan is the right solution. We believe a D-SNP plan is the best available option for those Americans who are eligible.

To be eligible you must qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. 

  • Medicare: You must be 65 years old or have a qualifying disability. 
  • Medicaid: Your income and asset level must fall below the threshold determined by your state.  
How You Can Enroll in D-SNP

Contact me and I’ll assess your case and, if you qualify, help you enroll in a D-SNP plan. Here at ActivAge Medicare Advisors we strive to educate and inform our clients about the complex options in the Medicare system.  We do so with an emphasis on freedom of choice regarding your healthcare decisions – you and your doctor decide what is best, not an insurance company; ensure as much price predictability as possible by considering premium and total out-of-pocket expenses; matching our clients’ needs with the best available solutions. 

ActivAge Medicare Advisors is committed to increasing the awareness of this valuable healthcare solution for the low-income disabled and over 65 population.  

For more information, and to see if you or a loved one qualifies for the D-SNP plan, call me, Lynn Morang, at 941-567-6000 or email me at lynn.morang@ActivAgeMedicare.com.