What Does "Dual Eligible" Mean?
Dual eligible means you qualify for both Medicare (federal) and Medicaid (state). This can happen when you're 65+ with limited income, or under 65 with a qualifying disability and low income.
Dual-eligible beneficiaries often receive significantly more benefits than those on Medicare alone — including help paying premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional services like transportation, dental, and over-the-counter health products.
What Is a DSNP?
A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed specifically for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans coordinate benefits from both programs and often include:
- $0 premium (in addition to any Part B premium)
- $0 copays for many services
- Prescription drug coverage with low or no copays
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances — quarterly stipend for health products
- Meals after hospital stays
💡 Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
If you have Medicare and limited income, you may qualify for Extra Help — a federal program that helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays for prescription drugs. Many dual-eligible individuals automatically qualify.
Who Qualifies?
You may be dual eligible if you:
- Are 65+ or have a qualifying disability AND
- Have limited income (varies by state — in Florida, generally under $1,600/month for individuals)
- Have limited resources (savings, investments — typically under $9,430 for individuals)
Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by your state. In Florida, you apply through the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
How We Help
- Determine if you may qualify for dual-eligible benefits
- Compare available DSNP plans in your area
- Help you understand what's covered and coordinate both programs
- Connect you with Medicaid enrollment resources if needed
Our guidance is completely free — call us to see what benefits you may be missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. About 12 million Americans are "dual eligible" — enrolled in both programs simultaneously. If you qualify, you may receive additional benefits and lower costs through both programs working together.
DSNPs are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for dual-eligible individuals. They coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits, often include extra perks (transportation, OTC allowances, meals), and typically have $0 premiums and very low or no copays.
In Florida, you apply for Medicaid through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at myflfamilies.com or by calling 1-866-762-2237. We can help point you in the right direction.
No. Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs. Having Medicaid doesn't replace Medicare — it supplements it by helping cover costs that Medicare doesn't, like copays and premiums.