Dual eligible
Eligibility is decided by the state Medicaid agency and by Medicare rules. This page does not check a person's status.
Source: Medicare.gov, Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. Page read October 14, 2026.
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Definition · Medicare program and benefits
Dual eligible
A dual eligible person qualifies for Medicare and for Medicaid. Medicare is usually primary for Medicare-covered services. Medicaid may help with premiums, cost sharing, or services Medicare does not cover. A D-SNP is a Medicare Advantage plan built for this group. The D-SNP page is at /glossary/d-snp.
Questions
Dual eligible, answered
Is every dual eligible person in a D-SNP?
No. A person can have Medicare and Medicaid without joining a D-SNP. The plan is one option, not a requirement.