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

If you have Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), you may hear the term “dual eligible”. It simply means you qualify for both programs.

If you're dual eligible, you may also qualify for a special health plan called a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, or D-SNP. This plan brings your Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal benefits together and does not replace them. It also gives you extra help and can make it easier to get the care you need.

Here’s how each one helps you:

  • Medicare helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal helps pay for more health costs and other care, like long-term care.
  • A D-SNP puts your benefits in one place and adds extra help. You don’t have to manage separate plans on your own.
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What extra benefits does a D-SNP offer?

You may be able to get more help than you know. A D-SNP can help you save money and stress less. You can get extras like rides to the doctor, everyday health items, and more. For example:

Someone to coordinate your care

You don’t have to sort it all out by yourself. A care coordinator helps you get the care you need, answers your questions, and explains your benefits.

Rides to appointments

Getting to appointments can be one less thing to worry about. Covered rides to and from medical appointments can help make getting the care you need easier.

Help paying for health items

You may have more money in your budget for other needs. An over-the-counter (OTC) credit helps pay for items like vitamins, toothpaste, and bandages.

Vision, dental, and hearing care

Stay healthy and feel your best. Extra benefits help pay for glasses, dental care, and hearing services.1

Help with food

Good food is important for good health. Depending on where you live, you may get help with healthy meals or groceries.2

A $0 monthly premium plan

Keep more of your money for the things that matter most. You may qualify for a plan with a $0 monthly premium.

Not sure if you qualify for a D-SNP? Let’s find out together.

Many people aren’t sure if they qualify. A quick call can help you find out.

Call us if you -

  • Are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability.
  • Have a limited income.
  • Are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid or Medi-Cal.
Call with questions See if you're eligible
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Person talking to their doctor
Why choose Kaiser Permanente for your care?

When care is built around you, life is easier. Here’s what makes care at Kaiser Permanente feel different.

Your care, all in one place. Spend less time getting from one appointment to the next. Your doctors, specialists, pharmacy, labs, and care team are connected, and many services are often under one roof.

A team that knows you. You won’t have to repeat your story again and again. Your doctors and care team share one health record, helping everyone work together when you’re managing several health conditions.

Care that puts you first. Your doctors make care decisions with you, based on what matters to you. You feel heard, respected, and supported.

Not sure where to start? We’ll walk you through it.

Call us at 1-855-883-5326 (TTY 711) to talk with someone who can walk you through your options. We’re available 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Se habla español.

Caring for someone you love? We’re here for you too.

You carry a lot. You handle appointments, prescriptions, questions, and worries. You deserve support too. Kaiser Permanente helps make each day easier.

  • With their approval, you can help manage their care online, including appointments, most prescription refills, and messages to their care team.
  • Covered rides help loved ones get to appointments.
  • Our connected system keeps everyone informed.
  • A care coordinator helps explain benefits and coverage.

Explore resources for caregivers

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Support in your community

Good health goes beyond doctor visits. We’re here in your community with support for your everyday needs.

  • Food and groceries — Find local programs that help you put healthy meals on the table.
  • Housing support — Connect with resources that help you find a safe place to live or to stay in your home.
  • Getting around town — Learn about rides that help you get to appointments and run errands.
  • Financial help — Find programs that help with everyday costs, like utility bills.

Search our community resource directory

Common questions about Medicare Medicaid/Medi-Cal plans

This means you have both Medicare and Medicaid or Medi-Cal at the same time. This is common. Together, these programs help pay for your care, often with little or no cost to you.

This means you qualify for both programs. Together, they help pay for your health care. Having both may also let you get a special plan that puts your benefits in one place, with extra help included.

A D-SNP, or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, is a health plan for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid or Medi-Cal. It puts your benefits in one plan. It also adds real help, like a care coordinator, rides to the doctor, and money for everyday health items.

Learn more about dual coverage benefits

Medicare is your main health coverage. It helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescriptions. Medicaid or Medi-Cal helps pay for more costs and care, like long-term care. When you have both, they work together. You may also be able to get a plan that puts your benefits in one place.

You may qualify if you have Medicare Parts A and B, as well as Medicaid or Medi-Cal. The easiest way to find out is to call us at 1-855-883-5326 (TTY 711). It only takes a few minutes.

This depends on your plan and where you live. Additional benefits may include vision, dental, and hearing benefits. You may also get a care coordinator, money for health items, rides to appointments, and a $0 monthly premium.

No. These plans are made to work with your Medicaid or Medi-Cal coverage. They don’t replace it.

Maybe. It depends on the doctors and plans in your area. If you choose Kaiser Permanente, you’ll get care from our connected team of available doctors. A Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist can go over your options with you.

Yes. A Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist can walk you through your options and answer your questions. There’s no pressure to sign up. Call us at 1-855-883-5326 (TTY 711).

No. Checking your eligibility is simply a way to find out if you may qualify. It doesn’t mean you’re signing up. There’s no pressure to do anything until you’re ready.

The easiest next step is to talk with someone who can help. Call 1-855-883-5326 (TTY 711). A Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist can find out if you qualify and tell you more. You’ll get clear answers along the way.

You deserve care that truly supports you

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Talk with someone who can walk you through your options. Or find out if you can sign up today.3 We’re here to help make it simple.

Enroll Now Call with questions

Footnotes

  1. For information on Medi-Cal dental coverage, call Smile California at 1-800-322-6384 (TTY 1-800-735-2922) or go to SmileCalifornia.org. Footnote 1
  2. Our Medicare health plans may offer meal delivery or a healthy food benefit to eligible members. In Southern California: Amount varies by plan. To purchase eligible over-the-counter items and groceries from participating stores, in person or online. The healthy food benefit is part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Members must have specific chronic conditions, like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, osteoarthritis, or chronic kidney disease to be eligible. There are other conditions that may qualify you for the benefit. Eligibility for this benefit cannot be guaranteed based solely on your condition. All applicable eligibility requirements must be met before the benefit is provided. For details, please contact us. In Colorado: Amount varies by plan. To purchase eligible over-the-counter items from participating stores, in person or online. In Georgia: Amount varies by plan. To purchase eligible over-the-counter items and groceries from participating stores, in person or online. The healthy food benefit is part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Members must have specific chronic conditions, like diabetes, chronic lung disorders, cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure, or cancer, to be eligible. There are other conditions that may qualify you for the benefit. Eligibility for this benefit cannot be guaranteed based solely on your condition. All applicable eligibility requirements must be met before the benefit is provided. For details, please contact us. In Maryland: Amount varies by plan. To purchase eligible over-the-counter items and groceries from participating stores, in person or online. The healthy food benefit is part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Members must have specific chronic conditions, like diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disorders, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, to be eligible. There are other conditions that may qualify you for the benefit. Eligibility for this benefit cannot be guaranteed based solely on your condition. All applicable eligibility requirements must be met before the benefit is provided.  For details, please contact us. Not available in Northern California, Colorado, or Nevada. Footnote 2
  3. You must meet all Medicare health plan enrollment requirements. Footnote 3

Kaiser Permanente is an HMO D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.

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