Dual Special Needs Plans

Dual Special Needs Plans or (DSNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that are available only for beneficiaries of both Medicare and their state Medicaid program.

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Like a normal Medicare Advantage plan, they also have a network of doctors that you must utilize to receive care. In some cases, these Dual Special Needs plans offer more benefits such as allowances to use for healthy living.

 

Some examples we have seen across our markets we serve is:

• Healthy groceries

• Assistance on utility bills

• Over-The-Counter medications

• Pay at the Pump Gas

• Pet Supplies

• Fitness trackers to stay healthy. 

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Not every plan will have these specific benefits and Dual Special Needs Plans may not be available in all areas. Some plans also have Chronic Condition requirements. This means that after you enroll, your doctor may have to attest to your chronic condition in order to actually receive the benefits.

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What happens if you have Medicare and Medicaid, but don't have a Chronic Condition?

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You can still enroll into the plan. Depending on the specific insurance carrier you may not receive some of the benefits associated with the plan. Trust us, we're bummed about that too.

 

There are still more benefits associated with these plans that you may qualify for, including:

• Dental Allowances

• Vision and Eyewear allowances

• Hearing aid coverage

• Transportation to approved locations

• Healthy meals post hospital visits

• Fitness programs

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​Ok, this sounds pretty good. When can I sign up?

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Typically, you can only enroll during certain times of the year. The most common is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This runs from October 15th to December 7th.

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There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). That allow you to enroll or switch your plan throughout the rest of the year. These Special Enrollment Periods often are meant for people that have a really good reason to change, like if you moved to a different state or are losing other coverage. There are also many other enrollment periods that are specific to Dual plans that may allow you to enroll.

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Contact us to see if you qualify today!