Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan that cater to people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The Medicare and Medicaid programs are designed to provide health insurance coverage to individuals who are aged, disabled, or low-income. DSNPs are designed to meet the specific needs of dual-eligible individuals by providing a coordinated approach to their health care.

What is a Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP)?

A DSNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that is specifically designed for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The main objective of DSNPs is to provide a coordinated approach to the health care of dual-eligible individuals by integrating the benefits of both Medicare and Medicaid programs.

What Does a DSNP Cover?

DSNPs typically cover all the benefits that are covered under Medicare Parts A and B, such as hospitalization, medical care, and prescription drugs. In addition, DSNPs may also provide additional benefits that are not covered under original Medicare, such as routine vision, hearing, and dental services.

How Does a DSNP Work?

DSNPs work by integrating the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid programs. Dual-eligible individuals are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that contracts with Medicare and Medicaid. This coordinated approach to health care helps ensure that the individual’s medical needs are met, and the individual is able to receive all the necessary health care services without having to switch between different health plans.

Why Should You Consider a DSNP?

There are several reasons why you should consider enrolling in a DSNP if you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Some of the main benefits of DSNPs include:

• Coordinated approach to health care: DSNPs provide a coordinated approach to health care, which helps ensure that dual-eligible individuals receive all the necessary health care services without having to switch between different health plans.
• Additional benefits: DSNPs may provide additional benefits that are not covered under original Medicare, such as routine vision, hearing, and dental services.
• Cost savings: DSNPs may also help individuals save money on their health care costs by integrating the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Conclusion

If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you should consider enrolling in a DSNP as it may provide you with a coordinated approach to health care and additional benefits that are not covered under original Medicare.

References:

• Medicare.gov. (2021, September 23). Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-c-cover/dual-eligible-special-needs-plans-d-snps
• Medicare Interactive. (2021). Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-advantage-plans/medicare-advantage-special-needs-plans
• Medicaid.gov. (2021, June 25). Dual Eligible Beneficiaries.