Special Needs Plans for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Extra benefits at $0 or low cost. Licensed in 27 states.
A D-SNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan built specifically for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
D-SNP plans combine your Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single, coordinated plan. Instead of navigating two separate programs with different rules, providers, and paperwork, a D-SNP gives you one card, one plan, and a dedicated care coordinator who understands both programs.
These plans are offered by private insurance carriers approved by Medicare. In Southeast Florida — including Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County — D-SNP plans are available from Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Devoted Health, and WellCare. Each carrier offers different benefit levels, provider networks, and supplemental benefits, so comparing plans is important.
D-SNP plans include benefits that go far beyond what Original Medicare provides — comprehensive dental work (cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures), prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, rides to the doctor, a monthly allowance for over-the-counter health products, and even meal delivery after hospital stays.
A regular Medicare Advantage plan serves the general Medicare population. A D-SNP is restricted to dual eligible individuals, which means the plan can focus its benefits, care coordination, and provider networks on the specific needs of people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans also offer quarterly enrollment flexibility (regular MA plans require you to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period), and they include a dedicated care coordinator who manages both Medicare and Medicaid benefits on your behalf.
You are dual eligible if you have Medicare Part A and Part B AND you are enrolled in Florida Medicaid. There are several categories:
If you receive both a Medicare card and a Medicaid card, you are likely dual eligible and may qualify for a D-SNP. Not sure? Call Matt at (561) 206-3402 for a free eligibility check.
D-SNP plans are loaded with benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
Most D-SNP plans in Florida have a $0 monthly premium. Your Medicare and Medicaid benefits work together to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Many plans also have $0 copays for primary care, specialist visits, and hospital stays.
Preventive and restorative dental including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and dentures. Annual maximums often reach $2,000 to $4,000 depending on carrier. Some plans cover implants.
Annual eye exams, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, and a frames allowance of $100 to $300+ per year. Some plans cover lens upgrades (progressive, anti-glare, photochromic) at no extra cost.
Hearing exams, hearing aid fittings, and a hearing aid allowance of $500 to $3,000 per year depending on carrier. Some plans cover both ears. Routine hearing exams are typically $0 copay.
Non-emergency transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and healthcare locations. Most Florida D-SNP plans offer 24 to 48 one-way trips per year. Some plans offer unlimited transportation.
Monthly or quarterly allowance of $50 to $200+ for over-the-counter health products: vitamins, pain relievers, first aid, cold medicine, digestive health, personal care items. Use at pharmacies or order online.
Beyond the core supplemental benefits, many Florida D-SNP plans also include: meal delivery after hospital stays (14–28 meals), telehealth at $0 copay, fitness benefit or gym membership (SilverSneakers), home safety modifications and grab bars, pest control services, air conditioner and heater repair, and personal emergency response systems (medical alert devices). Benefits vary by carrier and plan year — Matt Vallier compares all available plans in your ZIP code.
Qualifying for a D-SNP requires both Medicare and Medicaid.
Matt Vallier can check your eligibility in minutes at no cost. You will need your Medicare card, your Medicaid card (if you have one), and your income information. If you are not currently on Medicaid but think you might qualify, Matt can also help you understand the application process through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Dual eligible individuals have significantly more enrollment flexibility than regular Medicare beneficiaries:
You do not have to wait until October to change plans. If your current plan is not working, you can switch as soon as the next quarter begins.
Enroll Through HealthSherpa →One of the biggest advantages of a D-SNP is having a single point of contact who coordinates your care across both programs.
Managing two separate insurance programs is confusing. Medicare covers some services, Medicaid covers others, and figuring out which program pays for what can be overwhelming. A D-SNP eliminates that confusion by coordinating everything through one plan with one care coordinator.
Your D-SNP care coordinator understands both Medicare and Medicaid rules. They help you find providers who accept both programs, schedule appointments, manage medications, coordinate referrals to specialists, and ensure there are no gaps between what Medicare covers and what Medicaid covers.
D-SNP plans also coordinate your prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D, which is built into the plan. Your care coordinator ensures your medications are covered, helps identify lower-cost alternatives, and checks for drug interactions.
No. A D-SNP does not replace your Medicaid. You keep your Medicaid benefits in full. The D-SNP coordinates with your Medicaid so both programs work together. Your D-SNP handles Medicare benefits (hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions) while Medicaid continues to cover Medicaid-specific services like long-term care and personal care assistance. The care coordinator ensures no gaps or duplication between the two programs.
Florida operates Medicaid through Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC). If you are enrolled in a Florida Medicaid managed care plan, a D-SNP coordinates with your Medicaid plan for seamless coverage. Some carriers offer companion D-SNP and Medicaid plans (Aligned Plans) that use the same provider network and care coordination team for both Medicare and Medicaid services.
| Feature | D-SNP | Regular Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Medicare + Medicaid required | Medicare Part A & B only |
| Monthly Premium | $0 in most FL plans | $0–$100+ |
| Copays | $0 for most services | Varies ($0–$50+) |
| Dental Allowance | $2,000–$4,000/year | $1,000–$2,500/year |
| OTC Allowance | $50–$200+/month | $0–$100/month |
| Transportation | 24–48+ trips/year | 0–24 trips/year |
| Care Coordinator | Yes, Medicare + Medicaid | Limited or none |
| Enrollment Flexibility | Quarterly switching | Annual Enrollment only |
| Part D Included | Yes | Most plans, yes |
| Meal Delivery | 14–28 meals post-hospital | Varies (0–14 meals) |
Common questions about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans for Florida beneficiaries.
