Typically, there are a few ways you can obtain health insurance: either on your own through a private insurer, through an employer or through government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. But did you know there’s another type of Medicare plan, called D-SNP, that covers people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?
What is D-SNP?
D-SNP (sometimes called SNP) stands for “dual-eligible special needs plan.” Dual eligibility means that a member qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans are designed to combine Medicare and Medicaid coverage to provide more benefits.
When you have a D-SNP plan, your Medicare and Medicaid benefits are rolled into a single plan. Don’t worry—you’ll still have all your benefits from Medicare and Medicaid, plus you might even get some extras. Priority Health’s D-SNP plan, for example, offers extras like no-cost gym memberships and a quarterly $145 over-the-counter allowance for drugs and personal health products.
How can I qualify for D-SNP?
To qualify for a D-SNP plan, you need to be dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. To find out if you qualify for Medicaid, visit MI Bridges. You see if you qualify for Medicare, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
With names so similar, it’s easy to mix up Medicare and Medicaid. Both are government programs aimed at providing health coverage to people who need it most.
- Medicare is a federal program that provides health care coverage for adults over 65 and those with disabilities.
- Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health care coverage to people under 65 with lower incomes.
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid—and that’s where a D-SNP plan could be a great option.
What happens if my coverage changes?
It’s possible for your Medicaid eligibility status to change from month to month. Maybe you’ve had a change in your life, like getting a new job or an increase in income. If you’re a Priority Health D-SNP member, you have a six-month grace period to regain your Medicaid eligibility status if you’ve lost it. During this time, you’ll have some out-of-pocket costs.
How can I enroll?
There is no enrollment period for D-SNP. This means that if you’re eligible, you can join a D-SNP plan at any time throughout the year. You can enroll in a Priority Health D-SNP plan right from the Priority Health website, or at medicare.gov or by calling 1.800.MEDICARE.
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