What is a Dual Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP)?

Dual Special Needs Plans are for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual eligible"). A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a unique Medicare Advantage plan that coordinates your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You'll get extra support to help coordinate the plan with your Medi-Cal plan. In addition, a dual health plan provides extra benefits not provided by either Medicare or Medi-Cal.

Enrollment Under One Plan

Medicare Plus is a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) HMO for people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal (called "dual eligible"). D-SNP is a unique Medicare Advantage plan that coordinates your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. 

As an L.A. Care Medicare Plus member, you will be enrolled with L.A. Care for both your Medicare and Medi-Cal Programs. By combining your Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into a single plan, we coordinate your care while giving you access to MORE benefits and a dedicated care team.

It is important to remember, that when you enroll with L.A. Care Medicare Plus, your current Medi-Cal plan will automatically be changed to L.A. Care replacing any previous Medi-Cal coverage. The same goes for those separately enrolled in Medicare.

New to Medicare?

Learn about the difference in the L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP) vs Medicare Fee for Service, how much premiums and deductibles are, the costs associated with hospital stays or doctor visits and whether there is a limit on the out-of-pocket amount for the year.

What are Original Medicare costs?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), which is your hospital (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), there is no limit to the amount you pay out-of-pocket. The only way around this is through separate and optional supplemental coverage which is designed to fill in the gaps.

Enrollment in L.A. Care's Exclusively Aligned D-SNP

You are eligible for membership in our plan as long as all of the following are true:

  • You have both Medicare Part A (Hospital) and Medicare Part B (Medical)
  • You live in Los Angeles County
  • You are age 21 and older at the time of enrollment (You can be eligible for Medicare before 65 if you are living with a qualifying disability)
  • You receive full Medicaid (Medi-Cal) benefits (Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that helps with medical costs for certain people with limited incomes and resources).  
  • To be eligible for our plan you must be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible).
What is the L.A. Care Medicare Plus costs?

As a L.A. Care Medicare Plus member, your cost for the following items is $0:

  • Plan premium
  • Plan deductible
  • Plan benefits
  • Prescription medications (RX)
  • Transportation
  • Dental
  • Vision
What does Original Medicare cover?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) combined will cover medical supplies, professionals, and various healthcare settings.

What does L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP) cover?

L.A. Care Medicare Plus covers everything Original Medicare does plus the addition of added benefits like hearing, dental, vision and transportation through Medicaid (Medi-Cal).

Does Original Medicare cover prescription drugs?

No. You will need to enroll into a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

Does L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP) cover prescription drugs?
Yes. L.A. Care Medicare Plus does provide Part D (Prescription Drug) benefits at $0 cost to you.
Will I be able to choose any doctor with Original Medicare?

With Original Medicare, you have the ability to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.

Will I be able to choose any doctor with L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)?

L.A. Care Medicare Plus does require that members choose a doctor within our network of providers. L.A. Care Medicare Plus is proud to offer a wide network of doctors, specialists and hospitals.