Medicare SNPs, or special needs plans are Medicare Advantage plans built for individuals with specific health situations or situations that make them eligible for these plans. SNPs often provide higher levels of coverage for vulnerable individuals and their associated medical conditions or financial hardships. There are three main types of SNPs that we will briefly highlight below.
Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNP)
Individuals who are eligible for these plans suffer from a severe/disabling chronic condition such as diabetes, end-stange renal dialysis, cardiovascular disorders or chronic lung disorders. C-SNPs provide coordinated care and benefits to help the beneficiary manage their chronic illness.
Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNP)
Dual eligible special needs plans are designed for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. The plans tend to assist beneficiaries in coverage of medical as well as prescription drug coverage for the individual's unique set of financial circumstances.
Institutional SNPs (I-SNP)
These plans are available to those who are in institutionalized care facilities or nursing homes. The agenda of this plan type is to provide additional care coordination beyond normal levels for those who need it. The goal of these plans are to limit or avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Plan Eligibility
C-SNP: The individual must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions.
D-SNP: Individuals must meet the income limits for both Medicare and Medicaid.
I-SNP: Must live in an institution or require institutional-level care at home.
