Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
Health plans for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? If you’re not sure, we can help.
Medicare provides health benefits for people over age 65, as well as people younger than 65 who qualify due to a disability. Medicare is a federal program. Medicaid, on the other hand, is managed at the state level. Medicaid provides health benefits for people with low income, but the rules to qualify change from state to state.
You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time
Some people have both Medicare and Medicaid. If so, they could be “dual eligible.” That’s where dual special needs plans — or “dual” plans — come in. Dual plans work together with the individual’s Medicaid plan. Dual health plans cover eligible doctor visits, hospital stays and prescription drugs. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, chances are you could qualify for a dual plan.
Dual plans offer extra benefits and features at no extra cost
Dual plans go beyond either Medicaid or Original Medicare alone. You’ll still get to keep the Medicaid benefits and have additional D-SNP features with a dual plan. And better yet, with a dual plan, you could get many extra benefits and features than Original Medicare at no extra cost.
These extra benefits may include:
- Dental care, plus credit for restorative work
- Eye exams, plus credit for eyewear
- Hearing exams, plus credit for hearing devices
- Rides to health care visits and the pharmacy
- Credits to buy hundreds of health-related products
As an added bonus, people who are dual eligible can usually enroll for no monthly premium. That makes a dual plan a low-cost choice too.
Want to get extra benefits and features? See if you qualify.
People who qualify for a dual plan can enroll or switch to a new plan at certain times throughout the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Need more information? We can help.
You can find complete information about dual plans available your area at UHCCommunityPlan.com Or call 1-855-263-1865, TTY 711 from 8 am – 8 pm local time, seven days a week. See if a dual plan is right for you.
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare and a contract with the State Medicaid Program.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-855-263-1865, TTY 711 from 8 am – 8 pm local time, seven days a week for more information.

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