2022 United Healthcare Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP) video. What you need to know about DSNP’s
A DSNP is a form of Medicare Advantage plan that covers persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. DSNPs are offered by private insurance firms in various states. According to US federal law, these insurance providers must sell plans that have at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), and Part D prescription drug coverage.
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month period that begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months thereafter. It lasts for three months following your birthday and includes the entire month of your birthday.
Even though you are not 65, if you have been collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months, you are eligible for Medicare. Your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 25th month of receiving SS or RRB benefits, continues for three months after that, and ends three months later.
Every year, the Annual Election Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7. You can enroll in a Special Needs Plan, such as a DSNP, during the Annual Election Period. During AEP, you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, cancel your MA plan and go back to Original Medicare, or change your prescription drug coverage.
You can also enroll in a DSNP or other Special Needs Plan during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), also known as a Special Election Period. This is a period of time that can occur at any moment during the year as a result of a qualifying life event. For a variety of circumstances, including moving out of your current plan’s service area, losing creditable group health insurance due to the termination of employment, or being released from jail, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, you may be eligible to join in a DSNP if one or more of the following events occur:
During this time, you can enroll in a DSNP for the following reasons:
Residency in a nursing facility. You can enroll in a Special Needs Plan for the first time, switch plans, or opt out of one you are presently enrolled in whether you are moving in, moving out, or currently residing in a nursing home.
Medicaid eligibility is a requirement. You can enroll in a Special Needs Plan at any time if you already have Medicaid benefits or become eligible.
If you relocate outside of your current Special Needs Plan’s coverage region and want to switch to another plan, you can do so during the SEP.
If your circumstances change and you are no longer qualified for a DSNP, you will have a Special Election Period to disenroll from your Special Needs Plan and enroll in either a Medicare Advantage insurance or Original Medicare.