Do you have specific health care needs not covered by your current Medicare plan? Or are you looking for extended Medicare coverage at a lower cost? You may be eligible for a D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan) Medicare Advantage plan. Here is what you need to know.
A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for individuals with specific health care needs. There are three different types of SNPs: I-SNPs for nursing home residents, C-SNPs for individuals with specific chronic conditions, and finally D-SNPs for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNPs go beyond both Medicare and Medicaid by providing recipients several additional benefits. Those benefits may include:
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- Coverage for healthcare costs like hospitalization, outpatient medical care, and prescriptions
- Credit for over the counter products
- Dental care, plus credit for restorative work
- Eye exams, plus credit for restorative eyewear
- Hearing exams, plus credit for hearing devices
To be “Dual Eligible” and qualify for a D-SNP, individuals must first qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal program that provides health benefits for people over age 65, as well as people younger than 65 who qualify due to a disability. 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. In most cases, if you are enrolled in both, you would be eligible for a D-SNP.
If you do not qualify for a D-SNP, you may still meet the requirements for another Medicare Advantage plan or financial assistance. Contact a Fidelis agent today to learn more about Special Needs Plans and if you qualify.
