Overview

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) offer states a flexible path to advance whole person health and improve health outcomes for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits (dual eligibles).

Dual eligible beneficiaries have limited economic resources and they are more likely to have complex health conditions, yet they must navigate two fragmented insurance programs. As states seek ways to improve outcomes for dual eligibles, D-SNPs can be a valuable partner. D-SNPs improve the beneficiary experience through better care coordination, greater use of primary care services, and access to additional benefits. D-SNPs also enhance the delivery system by creating administrative efficiencies for providers serving dual eligible beneficiaries and facilitating opportunities to better integrate long-term services and supports.

This paper describes how state partnerships with D-SNPs can achieve these outcomes and increase integration of services for dual eligible beneficiaries.