Dual Special Needs plan (DSNP for short) is a Medicare Advantage plan specially designed to coordinate care with Medicaid providers through an HMO. The coordinated care and enhanced benefits help improve lifestyle and healthcare outcomes for their members.

Eligible recipients of both Medicare and Medicaid benefits qualify you for a Dual Special Needs Plan. One out of five Medicare beneficiaries are considered Dual Eligible and may qualify for life enhancing benefits not provided by traditional Medicare and Medicaid.

Majority of Medicaid beneficiaries have limited income and resources that prevents or diminishes their ability to provide additional needed health care items and services. Dual eligible beneficiaries may also be those who qualify through a waiver program because of extra health care services needed to remain in their home. State Departments of Health and Human Services are continuously reviewing and looking for ways to cut Medicaid costs. Unfortunately, ancillary benefits like dental, eyewear, hearing aids are the first to get trimmed back with reduced coverage. Dual Special Needs Plans offered across the country normally provide rich benefits in these areas.