What is a Special Needs Plan?

special need

SNP Overview

There are multiple types of Medicare Advantage Plans. A Special Needs Plan, also called an SNP, is a Medicare Advantage Plan that is available to a specific population. SNPs were made for three different groups:
  • People who are institutionalized.
  • People who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.
  • People who have severe or disabling chronic conditions as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Special Needs Plans for Dually Eligible People

There are three types of Special Needs Plans. One type, a D-SNP, is only for people who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. A D-SNP helps patients save on out-of-pocket costs. It allows people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid to receive specialized care, like prescription drug coverage, smoking cessation, fitness benefits, non-emergency transportation, hearing aids and glasses, meals, and over the counter products.

C-SNP

A C-SNP is a Medicare Advantage Plan for people with chronic conditions. However, only certain chronic conditions qualify, mainly those that are severe or medically complex. The point of C-SNPs is to help patients manage their chronic conditions and avoid hospitalizations. These plans have specific benefits, prescription plans, and drug formularies specific to their patients’ needs.

Institutional SNP

An Institutional SNP is a type of plan made for people who live in an institution. These institutions can include a nursing home, long-term skilled nursing facility, immediate care facility, or assisted living facility.
To learn more about whether you qualify for an SNP, give us a call at Proinsurance Hawaii today.