Browse Dual Special Needs plans
What is a Dual Special Needs plan?
A Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP) is for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. It combines Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, plus prescription drug coverage and support to help coordinate benefits with Medicaid.
Why choose a D-SNP with UnitedHealthcare?
We’re America’s most chosen brand for Dual Special Needs plans.1 A Dual Complete plan helps you get more of the extras you want, along with what you will receive from Medicaid. Benefits may include:
- Monthly plan premiums as low as $02
- $0 annual physical exams, $0 lab tests and $0 preventive care
- $0 copypays for Tier 1 prescriptions
- Monthly credit to help pay for OTC products, plus healthy food and utilities for qualifying members3
- $0 copay on vision and hearing exams
- Large network of Medicare Advantage providers, including doctors and specialists
Some of the benefits of a Dual Special Needs plan may also be available from a state Medicaid program or a managed Medicaid plan.
What other Special Needs plans are available?
Chronic Special Needs plans (C-SNPs) are designed to help people manage severe or disabling long-term health conditions. UnitedHealthcare offers C-SNPs for people with diabetes, chronic heart failure and/or cardiovascular disorders.
Institutional Special Needs plans (I-SNPs) are for people who live in a long term care setting, such as a skilled nursing facility. Institutional Equivalent Special Needs plans (IE-SNPs) are for people who receive skilled nursing care at home or in assisted living.
All SNPs include prescription drug coverage. Plan availability will depend on where you live.
What does a D-SNP cover?
D-SNPs offer extra Medicare benefits that may include:
Dental, vision and hearing coverage
Personalized care coordination
Telehealth virtual doctor visits
Credits to buy health products
Transportation assistance
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program intended to serve people who are 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that helps pay health care costs for people with limited income and resources. Medicaid plans vary from state to state.
You may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid based on your health and income level, and receive benefits from both. People who are dual eligible can often qualify for a D-SNP.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
To qualify for Medicare benefits you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for at least five years
- Be 65 years old or have a qualifying disability if younger than 65
- Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters)
To qualify for Medicaid services you must:
- Have an income level within your state’s income threshold
- Live within the state where you apply
- Have a Social Security number
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet immigration requirements
D-SNP costs depend on the plan you choose and on your level of Medicaid eligibility. Financial support from Medicaid helps cover out-of-pocket costs for expenses like premiums, copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
You can enroll in a UnitedHealthcare D-SNP by phone or with an agent. You can also enroll in some plans online. You need to have both Medicare and Medicaid to qualify.
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Footnotes
Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Provider network may vary by local market.
1 Most chosen based on total D-SNP plan enrollment from CMS Enrollment Data, May 2025.
2 Dual Special Needs plans have a $0 premium for members with Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) from Medicare.
3 OTC, food and utility benefits have expiration timeframes. Review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. The healthy food and utilities benefit is a special supplemental benefit only available to chronically ill enrollees with a qualifying condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure, chronic high blood pressure and/or chronic high cholesterol, and who also meet all applicable plan coverage criteria. There may be other qualified chronic conditions not listed.