Is A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Right For You?

If you're eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, you'll keep the Medicaid coverage you have now, plus get a dedicated support team and additional benefits that really add up.

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What Is A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?

 

A Dual Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan designed for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Types Of D-SNPs

 

A D-SNP offers convenient coverage that can make your healthcare more affordable. They typically cover all your medical costs and more – many have low monthly premiums and $0 copays.

 

There are two different types of D-SNPs offered:

 

Full Dual Eligible

 

Full dual eligible means you receive full Medicaid benefits from your state's program. Your Medicare Part A and B premiums and nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs may be paid based on your state's Medicaid program.

 

Partial Dual Eligible

 

Partial dual eligible means you qualify for Medicaid but based on your income, you don't receive full medical benefits. Depending on your state, you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs for premiums and medical care.

 

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Working Past 65

 

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If you’re eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, here’s what you need to know.

Count On Valuable Benefits With An Anthem D-SNP

 

With an Anthem D-SNP, you'll keep your Medicaid coverage and get additional Medicare Advantage benefits that really add up. Depending on your eligibility, Anthem offers full and partial D-SNPs based on your Medicaid status. Plan availability and benefits may vary by state and county.

Benefits Prepaid Card

Over-the-counter health items, groceries1, 2, and utilities1, 2

$0   Premiums

Most plans have $0 monthly premiums which is good news for your pocketbook

$0  Copays

$0 prescription drug copays means your money goes further

Dental & Vision Benefits

Routine exams, cleanings, and a yearly eyewear allowance

Hearing Benefits

Routine hearing exams and hearing aids

Transportation

Rides2, 3 included to plan-covered services

Fitness Program

Stay in shape with free access to SilverSneakers®  fitness programs

Dedicated Support Team

Helps you understand your benefits and get the most out of your plan

Large Network

Large network of doctors and hospitals

Note: Plan availability and benefits may vary by state and county.

Smart Tip: Your D-SNP lets you keep all your Medicaid benefits. The plan coordinates your coverage between Medicare and Medicaid, so your benefits are easier to access.

When Can I Enroll In A D-SNP?

If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan the month you become eligible for Medicaid.

 

If you are already enrolled in a D-SNP plan, you may be able to change plans monthly depending on your current plan and/or the plan you want to enroll in. And if you've had a life event such as moving, losing coverage or newly eligible for Medicare, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You can always change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 every year.

 

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Smart Tip: If you're not eligible for a D-SNP, Anthem may offer other Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and Medicare Advantage plans that might be right for you.

Learn Medicare Basics

 

Medicare doesn't have to be difficult. Our free Dual Special Needs Plan guide and Medicare articles help make things easier to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions About D-SNPs

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a full or partial D-SNP depending on your income and other factors. 

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a D-SNP is probably your best choice. Most plans come with $0 premiums and $0 copays and may provide other benefits like these:

 

  • Dedicated care management
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Depending on your plan, you may get additional coverage for a free Personal Emergency Response System, allowances for groceries1, 2, over-the-counter health items, utilities1, 2, and more.

Most D-SNPs come with $0 premiums copays, and deductibles. The amount you pay for a premium or out-of-pocket costs depends on whether you are fully or partially eligible. If you receive full Medicaid benefits, nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs should be covered by your state.

No, not at all. A D-SNP lets you keep all your Medicaid benefits and coordinates them with your Medicare coverage. That way you can access all your benefits more easily.

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Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

 

1 Members may receive a monthly or quarterly allowance in the form of a benefits prepaid card to pay for a wide range of approved groceries and utilities. Unused amounts will expire at the end of the month or quarter. Benefits vary by plan.

 

2 Depending on your plan, the benefits listed may be available through the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model or to eligible members as Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). You may qualify for SSBCI if you have a high risk for hospitalization and require intensive care coordination to manage chronic conditions such as Chronic Kidney Diseases, Chronic Lung Disorders, Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, or Diabetes. For a full list of chronic conditions or to learn more about other eligibility requirements needed to qualify for SSBCI benefits, please refer to Chapter 4 in the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.

 

3 Transportation services are issued as one-way trips and provided on an annual basis. Benefits vary by plan.

 

The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This is a benefits card that can only be used at certain Mastercard merchants participating in this program and will be authorized for qualified purchases as set forth in your Terms and Conditions. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access. Other languages are available upon request.

 

Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. SilverSneakers, the SilverSneakers shoe logo type and SilverSneakers Flex are registered trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare Contract in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin, offer HMO, HMO D-SNP, HMO C-SNP, HMO I-SNP, LPPO, LPPO D-SNP and/or RPPO. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers PDP plans in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO D-SNP and LPPO D-SNP plans contract with state Medicaid programs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions plans depend on contract renewal.