Select the statement that best describes a feature of D-SNPs.
The correct statement is that D-SNPs coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans for people enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, integrating their coverage and including Part D prescription drug benefits.
The answer
The statement that best describes a feature of D-SNPs is: "D-SNPs coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
A D-SNP (Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan built specifically for people who are dual-eligible, meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Its defining feature is coordination: instead of the beneficiary juggling two separate programs, the D-SNP integrates Medicare (hospital, medical, and drug coverage) with Medicaid benefits (which may cover things like long-term services, cost-sharing, and other supports). Every D-SNP also includes Part D prescription drug coverage by law, so members do not need a separate drug plan.
Why this is the correct feature
Special Needs Plans exist to serve specific populations, and the "D" stands for dual-eligible. That single fact drives everything: eligibility (you must have both Medicare and Medicaid), the benefit design (Medicare and Medicaid working together), and the goal (simpler, more coordinated care for a population that often has complex needs and limited income). Coordinating the two programs is not a side effect; it is the entire purpose of the plan type.
Why the other options are wrong
- "D-SNPs are open to anyone with Medicare": wrong, they are limited to people who also have Medicaid (dual-eligibles). General availability describes standard Medicare Advantage, not a SNP.
- "D-SNPs serve people with specific chronic conditions": that describes a C-SNP (Chronic Condition SNP), such as plans for diabetes or heart failure, not a D-SNP.
- "D-SNPs are for people living in institutions like nursing homes": that describes an I-SNP (Institutional SNP), not a D-SNP.
- "D-SNPs do not include drug coverage": wrong, all SNPs, including D-SNPs, are required to include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Only "coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits" captures what makes a D-SNP a D-SNP.
The bigger picture
There are three Special Needs Plan types, and the exam often tests whether you can tell them apart:
- D-SNP – for dual-eligibles (both Medicare and Medicaid).
- C-SNP – for people with qualifying chronic conditions.
- I-SNP – for people who are institutionalized or need an institutional level of care.
All three are Medicare Advantage plans, all include Part D, and all tailor benefits and provider networks to their population. Remembering that "D = dual" and that the plan's job is to coordinate two programs into one is the fastest way to lock in the right answer.
- 1
Do you have Medicare?
You must be enrolled in Medicare to join any Special Needs Plan.
- 2
Do you also have Medicaid?
- 3
No Medicaid, but a qualifying chronic condition?
- 4
No Medicaid, but institutional level of care?
Frequently asked
What does D-SNP stand for?
D-SNP stands for Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan. It is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people who are dual-eligible, meaning they are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
Who is eligible for a D-SNP?
People who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligibles). You must be enrolled in Medicare and also qualify for your state's Medicaid program. If you lose Medicaid eligibility, you may lose D-SNP eligibility, though plans often allow a grace period.
What is the difference between D-SNP, C-SNP, and I-SNP?
All three are Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans. D-SNPs serve dual-eligibles (Medicare plus Medicaid), C-SNPs serve people with qualifying chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure, and I-SNPs serve people who are institutionalized or need an institutional level of care.
Do D-SNPs include prescription drug coverage?
Yes. All Special Needs Plans, including D-SNPs, are required to include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Members do not need to buy a separate standalone drug plan.
How do D-SNPs coordinate Medicare and Medicaid?
A D-SNP integrates the two programs so benefits, providers, and often costs work together. Medicare covers hospital, medical, and drug care, while Medicaid may cover cost-sharing and additional services like long-term supports, reducing the burden on the member to manage two separate systems.