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What is a Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP)?

A Dual Special Needs plan, or D-SNP for short, is a type of health insurance plan. It's for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. If that’s you, you're "dual-eligible." (That's just another way of saying you can have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.)

What makes this a plan for people who are dual-eligible?

Dual Special Needs plans are for people who could use more help. That may be because of income, disabilities, age and/or health conditions. Dual Special Needs plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan.

How does dual coverage health insurance work with both Medicaid and Medicare?

A Dual Special Needs plan works together with your Medicaid health plan. You'll keep all your Medicaid benefits. Most dual health insurance plans also give you more benefits and features than you get with Original Medicare. Dual Special Needs plans have a $0 premium for members with Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).

More help for you

Care coordination is another important benefit you get with a Dual Special Needs plan. You’ll have a personal care coordinator. That’s someone who may help you:

  • Understand your Medicare and Medicaid benefits
  • Manage your doctors, specialists and care services
  • Get the services you need to feel healthier

If you're dual-eligible, how can you get this kind of health plan?

Dual Special Needs plans are offered by private insurance companies. That includes UnitedHealthcare. We call our dual-eligible health plans UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete®. More people choose UnitedHealthcare for a Dual Special Needs plan than any other company.

UCard®, only from UnitedHealthcare

Your UCard is your member ID and so much more. Use your UCard to buy healthy food, over-the-counter (OTC) products and pay utility bills.

What type of plan am I eligible for?

Answer a few quick questions to see what type of plan may be a good fit for you.

Get your free dual plan guide

Find out what you need to know about Dual Special Needs plans in one, convenient guide.

Find plans in your area

Medicaid or dual-eligible plan benefits can change depending on where you live. Search using your ZIP code to find the right plan to meet your health care needs.

Still have questions

We’re here to help

Contact us at:
1-844-812-5967 / TTY: 711
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.