A D-SNP (Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan) is a Medicare Advantage plan designed for individuals who are:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
A Special Needs Plan is a Medicare Advantage plan that restricts enrollment to a defined population. The D-SNP serves dual-eligible individuals, those entitled to both Medicare and Medicaid, which in California is Medi-Cal, and coordinates the benefits of the two programs. Dual-eligible beneficiaries may receive Medicaid help with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, and the D-SNP is designed around that combined coverage. The 'D' in D-SNP stands for dual eligibility, which is the distinctive, exam-tested feature of this SNP category and is what separates it from the other SNP types.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Medigap is a supplement to Original Medicare and is not part of the D-SNP design. Owning a Medigap policy has no bearing on eligibility for a dual-eligible SNP.
- C) Most Medicare beneficiaries qualify at age 65, but D-SNP eligibility turns on dual Medicare-Medicaid status, not on being over 65 or free of disability.
- D) A D-SNP provides full medical benefits under Medicare Part C. It is not limited to Part D drug coverage, which is the product of a stand-alone prescription drug plan.
Memory hook
D-SNP = the dual-deck plan for people with both Medicare and Medicaid tickets.