10/13/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Starting Wednesday, many Michiganders enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid can sign up for what's known as a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. It's commonly called a "D-SNIP," and it's a type of Medicare Advantage plan available to people based on certain disabilities, income or health issues. It combines their Medicare hospital and medical coverage with Medicare drug coverage, and allows the person to also keep their Medicaid benefits. More than 350-thousand Michigan residents in 2023 were eligible for a D-SNIP, but fewer than 130-thousand were enrolled. Marian Cabanillas with UnitedHealthcare says coordinating care is a primary function of D-SNIPs.

0:18  "It's a really important benefit, because care coordination may be able to help you find providers that are in your network. They may be able to help you get doctor's appointments. So oftentimes, they can sit there and make the appointment for you, so that you can make sure you don't miss the ability to go and see your doctor – and just trying to help make it easier."

Enrollment for D-SNIPs opens October 15th and runs through December 7th. People enrolled in the plan may be eligible for vision and hearing coverage as well as dental care, which can include checkups or dental cleanings.