What Is A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?
A Dual Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan designed for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Types Of D-SNPs
A D-SNP offers convenient coverage that can make your healthcare more affordable. They typically cover all your medical costs and more – many have low monthly premiums and $0 copays.
Anthem Offers Full Dual Eligible Plans in New York
Full Dual Eligible
Full dual eligible means you receive full Medicaid benefits from your state's program. Your Medicare Part A and B premiums and nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs may be paid based on your state's Medicaid program.
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If you’re eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, here’s what you need to know.
Medicare Basics
Understanding the different parts of Medicare and how they work together.
Medicare and Medicaid
Learn how Medicare and Medicaid work together in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).
Count On Valuable Benefits With An Anthem D-SNP
With an Anthem D-SNP, you'll keep your Medicaid coverage and get additional Medicare Advantage benefits that really add up. In New York, Anthem offers full D-SNPs based on your Medicaid status.*
Over-the-counter health items, groceries1, and utilities1
Most plans have $0 monthly premiums which is good news for your pocketbook
$0 prescription drug copays means your money goes further
Routine exams, cleanings, and a yearly eyewear allowance
Routine hearing exams and hearing aids
Rides2 included to plan-covered services
Stay in shape with free access to SilverSneakers® fitness programs
Helps you understand your benefits and get the most out of your plan
Large network of doctors and hospitals
* Plan availability, premiums, benefits, and benefit amounts may vary based on where you live, the plan you choose, and your Medicaid eligibility status.
Smart Tip: Your D-SNP lets you keep all your Medicaid benefits. The plan coordinates your coverage between Medicare and Medicaid, so your benefits are easier to access.
When Can I Enroll In A D-SNP?
If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan the month you become eligible for Medicaid.
If you are already enrolled in a D-SNP plan, you may be able to change plans monthly depending on your current plan and/or the plan you want to enroll in. And if you've had a life event such as moving, losing coverage or newly eligible for Medicare, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You can always change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 every year.
Smart Tip: If you're not eligible for a D-SNP, Anthem offers Medicare Advantage plans that might be right for you.
Learn Medicare Basics
Medicare doesn't have to be difficult. Our free Dual Special Needs Plan guide and Medicare articles help make things easier to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions About D-SNPs
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a D-SNP depending on your income and other factors.
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a D-SNP is probably your best choice. Most plans come with $0 premiums and $0 copays and may provide other benefits like these:
- Dedicated care management
- Prescription drug coverage
- Depending on your plan, you may get additional coverage for a free Personal Emergency Response System, allowances for groceries1, over-the-counter health items, utilities1, and more.
Most D-SNPs come with $0 premiums, copays, and deductibles. If you receive full Medicaid benefits, nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs should be covered by your state.
No, not at all. A D-SNP lets you keep all your Medicaid benefits and coordinates them with your Medicare coverage. That way you can access all your benefits more easily.
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1 Members may receive a monthly or quarterly allowance in the form of a benefits prepaid card to pay for a wide range of approved groceries and utilities. Unused amounts will expire at the end of the month or quarter. Benefits vary by plan.
2 Transportation services are issued as one-way trips and provided on an annual basis. Benefits vary by plan.
The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This is a benefits card that can only be used at certain Mastercard merchants participating in this program and will be authorized for qualified purchases as set forth in your Terms and Conditions. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access. Other languages are available upon request.
The SilverSneakers fitness program is provided by Tivity Health, an independent company. Please talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. SilverSneakers, the SilverSneakers shoe logo type and SilverSneakers Flex are registered trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Anthem, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare Contract, offers HMO, HMO D-SNP, and LPPO plans. Anthem HMO D-SNP plans additionally contract with state Medicaid programs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, and Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions plans depend on contract renewal.