D-SNP — Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan

Definition. A type of Medicare Advantage special needs plan limited to people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid ("dual eligible"). It includes Part D drug coverage and coordinates Medicare benefits with Medicaid.

What it means

A D-SNP covers your Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D benefits and coordinates them with your Medicaid benefits. You don't have to join one: many people with Medicare and OHP keep Original Medicare with OHP as secondary coverage and a Part D plan. Which is better depends on your doctors, your drugs and where you live.

If you lose Medicaid, the plan gives you a period to regain it before disenrolling you, and you get a special enrollment period to choose other coverage. People with Medicare and full Medicaid also qualify for Extra Help with Part D costs.

In Oregon

OHA requires each coordinated care organization (CCO) to work with one or more Medicare Advantage plans that serve full-benefit dual eligible members throughout its service area, so D-SNPs in Oregon are built to coordinate with OHP. Your OHP benefits continue whichever Medicare option you choose. CMS lists 26 special needs plans in Oregon for 2027; which you can join depends on your county (see the county pages).