Medicare and Medicaid Programs

Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans

If you are eligible for or have Medicare, you can choose a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) for your Medicare health coverage.

A D-SNP is a special type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for Medicaid members. The D-SNP and the Medicaid plan work together to coordinate your benefits from both programs. If you are enrolled in a D-SNP, you will have no Medicare premiums or co-pays for doctor or specialist visits. You may have small co-pays for prescription drugs.

If you decide to enroll in a D-SNP, please know that your choice may affect your Medicaid plan. Virginia Medicaid members who choose to enroll in a D-SNP must also enroll in the Medicaid plan operated by the same health insurance company (known as a Managed Care Organization, or MCO) as their D-SNP. This requirement is called “exclusively aligned enrollment.” It provides you as the member with a better health care experience because your Medicare and Medicaid coverage is managed by the same MCO. They coordinate your care to help you stay healthy.

For more information about D-SNPs and Exclusively Aligned Enrollment, please see our Frequently Asked Questions documents below.

Have other questions?  Contact our team by e-mail at dsnp@dmas.virginia.gov.