CDIS Blog
How to Qualify for a Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)
These plans with extra benefits are for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
A D-SNP Medicare plan is a type of Medicare Advantage (MA) plan made for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These dual special needs plans combine standard Medicare benefits with your state Medicaid program, adding extra support—often at no cost. If your income is limited, you may qualify. Enrollment is open year-round.
Step 1: Qualify for Medicare
• Be 65+, or under 65 with a qualifying disability (SSDI for 24+ months, ALS, ESRD).
• Must be enrolled in Part A and Part B.
Step 2: Qualify for Medicaid
• Eligibility usually depends on income and assets (not your home).
• If you qualify, you may fall into: QMB, SLMB, QI, or FBDE.
• These programs can pay Part A and B premiums, copays, deductibles, and offer extra services.
How to Confirm Eligibility
• Apply for Medicaid through your state.
• Visit Medicare.gov or talk to a licensed agent.
• Be ready to prove both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
Why This Matters
If you qualify for a dual eligible special needs plan, you could access lower costs and extra support through a D-SNP Medicare option. These Medicare D-SNP plans are sometimes called a dual special needs plan Medicare approach because they combine your Medicare and Medicaid benefits in one. Even if you already have Medicare, adding Medicaid might open the door to Medicare dual plans like a D-SNP, giving you more coverage without extra cost.
We’re Here to Help
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 to see if you qualify for a Medicare D-SNP plan today!
CDIS Blog
What CAN You Do During Medicare AEP?
Each fall, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review and adjust their coverage. Knowing your options during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) can help you save money and avoid surprises.
When is Medicare AEP?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also called Medicare Open Enrollment) runs every year from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What You CAN Do During AEP
• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (Part C): If you currently have Parts A & B, you can move into a Medicare Advantage plan, which may include extra benefits.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare: You may disenroll from your MA plan and return to Original Medicare. This may also allow you to apply for a Medigap policy, though acceptance isn’t always guaranteed outside certain periods.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another: If your current plan’s coverage, costs, or provider network no longer fit your needs, AEP is your chance to find a better option.
• Enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D plan: If your drug costs have increased or your prescriptions are no longer covered, you can review and update your plan. Even if satisfied, it’s smart to check annually — formularies often change.
• Switch from one Part D plan to another: Comparing premiums, deductibles, and pharmacy networks can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What You CAN’T Do During AEP
• Guarantee acceptance into a new Medigap plan unless you’re in a qualifying enrollment window.
• Change employer or union retiree coverage — those plans follow separate rules and timelines.
Why AEP Matters
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your main chance to ensure your coverage matches your health and financial needs. Drug prices change, networks adjust, and health needs evolve. Spending just 30 minutes during AEP could save you hundreds in the coming year.
We’re Here to Help
Call 1-855-890-2583 to connect with an Education Specialist who can guide you through your Medicare AEP options and help you choose the right plan for your situation.
CDIS Blog
What Do Medicare Supplement ‘Plus’ Plans Cover?
These plans help fill Medicare’s coverage gaps — and some offer added perks.
Original Medicare only pays for about 80% of approved costs. A Medicare Supplement insurance policy (Medigap) helps with the rest. Some insurers also offer a “Plus” version, adding benefits you don’t find in standard Medigap plans. For those who value predictability, flexibility, and added value, a Medicare G Plus plan might be worth exploring.
What’s Covered In Standard Medicare Supplement Plans:
• Part A hospital costs & coinsurance: Up to an extra 365 days.
• Part B coinsurance/copayments: Often pays the 20% Medicare doesn’t.
• Blood (first 3 pints): Covers the initial pints needed.
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: Up to 100 days.
• Part A deductible & hospice coinsurance: Reduces out-of-pocket costs.
• Part B excess charges: Helps with charges above Medicare’s standard rates.
• Foreign travel emergencies: Often covers 80% up to certain limits.
What “Plus” Plans Add (Example For Select States):
• Dental: Exams, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays.
• Vision: Eye exams and allowances for glasses or contacts.
• Hearing: Hearing exams and discounts on hearing aids.
• Fitness: Programs like SilverSneakers.
• 24/7 nurse line: Speak with a nurse anytime.
Freedom & Flexibility Built In
• No network restrictions: See any doctor or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare.
• Guaranteed renewability: Your coverage won’t be dropped due to health.
• Predictable costs: Manage medical expenses without surprises.
CDIS Blog
Simple Steps to Medicare Enrollment & Eligibility
Who qualifies for Medicare?
If you’re 65 or older and have worked (or your spouse has) for at least 10 years paying Medicare taxes, you likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A — hospital coverage that includes inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services.
Under 65? You may still qualify if:
You’ve received Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for 24 months.
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or need a kidney transplant.
Even if you haven’t paid Medicare taxes, you can usually buy coverage if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
When and how to enroll?
If you’re getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’re typically enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. You’ll get a welcome packet about three months before your 65th birthday. Not getting benefits yet? Contact Social Security three months before turning 65 to get started.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months:
Three months before your 65th birthday.
The month of your 65th birthday.
Three months after your 65th birthday.
You can still enroll even if you’re not retiring yet, and you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if certain conditions apply.
Ready to start your Medicare journey?
To speak to an Education Specialist Call 1-855-890-2583 now!
CDIS Blog
Major Medicare-Medicaid Plan Changes Coming in 2026
If you’re enrolled in an MMP plan, your coverage is changing — but you won’t lose it.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is phasing out Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs) by the end of 2025. These were pilot programs under the Medicare Medicaid Program MMP model, designed to coordinate care for people eligible for both. Now they’re being replaced to improve care quality and simplify everything for you.
What’s Changing?
Medicare MMP plan users will see that their plans are ending. These were part of a pilot to help coordinate benefits across Medicare and Medicaid. Replacing them are D-SNPs (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans) that combine Medicare and Medicaid benefits under new structures:
• FIDE SNPs: Both programs under one organization.
• HIDE SNPs: Coordinate closely, especially for long-term and behavioral health.
Timeline & What to Expect
Most MMP plan Medicare contracts will end by December 2025. States like California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina will automatically transition many people into a D-SNP with the same insurance company. You’ll get notices from your plan or state Medicaid office. Your benefits won’t disappear — but the plan name, ID card, and extras may change.
What You Might Gain
• One card for both Medicare and Medicaid.
• Easier billing and coordination.
• Better care management and support for chronic conditions.
• Some new D-SNPs offer extras like OTC credits, dental, vision, transport, and fitness.
Why This Matters
These changes aim to improve care and cut confusion. But you still need to read your plan notices and understand your new choices before 2026. Don’t wait — understand how your Medicare Medicaid Plans MMPs will change and what it means for your coverage.
We’re Here to Help
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 for personalized assistance!
