Medicare Blog

how to find medicare special needs plans in your area

by Miss Katrina Mills I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Use the Medicare Plan finder to research available SNPs in your area. When you’ve chosen a plan, go to the insurer’s website to check for online enrollment options or contact the insurance company by phone or email to request a paper enrollment form. You can also enroll by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Full Answer

What is a Medicare special needs plan (SNP)?

A Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) that is designed to fit the health care needs of people with a certain health condition or circumstance.

How do I qualify for a Medicare special needs plan?

In order to qualify for a Special Needs Plan, you must meet each of the following criteria: 1 Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B 2 Have one of the chronic conditions above, reside in a nursing home or require home nursing care or be Medicare dual-eligible 3 Reside in the plan’s service area

How many special needs plans are available?

As of May 2019, there are a total of 734 Special Needs Plans available throughout the U.S. 1 The breakdown of those plans is as follows: 480 D-SNPs 129 C-SNPs 125 I-SNPs

How do I qualify for an institutional special needs plan?

To qualify for an Institutional Special Needs Plan, you must live in a long-termin long-term care facility served by the SNP for a minimum of 90 days. The facility can be either a nursing home or an intermediate care facility for those with intellectual disabilities.

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What are the three types of Medicare special needs plans?

There are three different types of SNPs:Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP)Dual Eligible SNP (D-SNP)Institutional SNP (I-SNP)

What is an SNP Medicare plan?

Medicare SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Medicare SNPs limit membership to people with specific diseases or characteristics. Medicare SNPs tailor their benefits, provider choices, and drug formularies to best meet the specific needs of the groups they serve.

What is the difference between SNP and D SNP?

Institutional SNP (I-SNP): For those who live in an institution such as a nursing home or require nursing care at home. Dual-Eligible SNP (D-SNP): For those with both Medicare and Medicaid.

Do SNP plans have networks?

SNP networks vary in size and the populations they serve. Two types of networks include: Networks covering a specified area. For example, one network may cover an entire state, while another network covers one county.

How do you qualify for CSNP?

To be eligible for a C-SNP, you must also be eligible for Medicare. C-SNPs are designed to provide people with chronic or debilitating illnesses the medical care and treatments they need, all in one plan. C-SNPs always include prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D).

What is a dual eligible Special Needs Plan D SNP )?

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) enroll individuals who are entitled to both Medicare (title XVIII) and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid (title XIX). States cover some Medicare costs, depending on the state and the individual's eligibility.

What is an LPPO plan?

Generations Advantage Select (LPPO) is designed for those looking for a health care plan with more flexibility. With this plan, you get complete medical, hospital, and Part D Prescription Drug coverage and you can see out-of-network doctors for all covered medical services, though you pay less for in-network doctors.

What are some distinct advantages of a dual special needs plan?

Dual plans offer extra benefits and features at no extra costDental care, plus credit for restorative work.Eye exams, plus credit for eyewear.Hearing exams, plus credit for hearing devices.Rides to health care visits and the pharmacy.Credits to buy hundreds of health-related products.

What is the difference between MMP and Dsnp?

A D SNP is commonly confused with a Medicare Advantage Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). Unlike a D SNP, MMPs only serve full benefit dual (Medicare/Medicaid) eligible beneficiaries and some additional limitations may apply (such as state-specific requirements).

Is D SNP a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (​D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage (MA) health plans which provide specialized care and wrap-around services for dual eligible beneficiaries (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid).

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

What is a D SNP look alike plan?

D-SNP “look-alike” plans (sometimes called “mirror” plans) are Medicare Advantage plans that plan sponsors have designed specifcally to attract dual eligible benefciaries.

What is a special needs plan?

A special needs plan (SNP) is a Medicare Advantage (MA) coordinated care plan (CCP) specifically designed to provide targeted care and limit enrollment to special needs individuals. A special needs individual could be any one of the following: An institutionalized individual, A dual eligible, or. An individual with a severe or disabling chronic ...

Why do SNPs need to provide Part D coverage?

All SNPs must provide Part D prescription drug coverage because special needs individuals must have access to prescription drugs to manage and control their special health care needs. SNPs should assume that, if no modification is contained in guidance, existing Part C and D rules apply.

What is SNP in healthcare?

A SNP may be any type of MA CCP, including either a local or regional preferred provider organization (i.e., LPPO or RPPO) plan, a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, or an HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) ...

When did the SNP program end?

Most recently, section 206 of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) extended the SNP program through December 31, 2018.

Do SNPs have to submit bids?

SNPs must prepare and submit bids like other MA plans, and are paid in the same manner as other MA plans based on the plan’s enrollment and risk adjustment payment methodology. All SNPs must abide by current CMS guidance on cost sharing requirements.

Do SNPs have to follow Medicare?

SNPs are expected to follow existing MA program rules, including MA regulations at 42 CFR 422, as modified by guidance, with regard to Medicare- covered services and Prescription Drug Benefit program rules. All SNPs must provide Part D prescription drug coverage because special needs individuals must have access to prescription drugs to manage and control their special health care needs. SNPs should assume that, if no modification is contained in guidance, existing Part C and D rules apply.

Did CMS accept SNP applications in 2008?

Accordingly, CMS did not accept SNP applications in 2008 for contract year (CY) 2009. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) lifted the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 moratorium on approving new SNPs.

How to qualify for a special needs plan?

In order to qualify for a Special Needs Plan, you must meet each of the following criteria: Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Have one of the chronic conditions above, reside in a nursing home or require home nursing care or be Medicare dual-eligible. Reside in the plan’s service area. A Chronic Condition SNP will require a note ...

How many special needs insurance plans are there?

As of May 2019, there are a total of 734 Special Needs Plans available throughout the U.S. 1 The breakdown of those plans is as follows: Availability depends on where you live.

What is a SNP plan?

Your Complete Guide to Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP) A Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) that is designed to fit the health care needs of people with a certain health condition or circumstance.

What is special needs insurance?

Special Needs Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are a form of private Medicare coverage. These plans, sold by private insurance companies, offer all the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

When does Medicare AEP take place?

The Medicare AEP takes place every year from October 15 to December 7. Special Enrollment Period (SEP) You may be granted a Special Enrollment Period at any time throughout the year, depending on your circumstances.

When does Medicare enroll in AEP?

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) The Medicare AEP takes place every year from October 15 to December 7.

What is a care coordinator in Medicare?

A care coordinator is a type of personal health care assistant who helps you schedule appointments, adhere to your doctor-recommended diet and exercise plan, obtain the right prescriptions, access community resources and more.

What is Medicare Advantage Plan?

A Medicare Advantage Plan allows patients to receive care through a network of providers that contract with Medicare. Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that serve individuals with chronic or disabling conditions.

What does it mean to be an SNP provider?

Patients who are covered under SNPs enjoy many benefits, and becoming an SNP provider means your LTSS program would be directly involved in providing those benefits in a local, culturally appropriate setting. However, there are also challenges related to SNPs.

Do you need other forms of health insurance to be fully covered?

Patients may not need other forms of health insurance to be fully covered. Those with Medicare and Medicaid or with limited income may pay little to none of their own money for services. Networks or providers may not be available in all parts of the country.

Why is Medicare SNP important?

Because Medicare SNP plans are created with special needs in mind, they generally go beyond providing the same level of coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B, offering benefits that are specifically tailored to their enrollees’ conditions or circumstances . The targeted services that are offered are formulated to complement the regimens and requirements of the beneficiaries. This both improves treatment and minimizes frustrations and costs that may be encountered in other Medicare Advantage plans that serve a more general patient population.

How to qualify for dual SNP?

To qualify for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, you need to provide proof that you have Medicaid. This can be accomplished either by producing a letter from Medicaid or showing your Medicaid identification card. Alternatively, you can complete the enrollment form for the D-SNP and the plan administrator will verify your Medicaid status. It is important to note that if you are enrolled in a Medicare MSP (Medical Savings Plan) at the time that you apply for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, you may find that the specific plan does not accept MSP beneficiaries to enroll. Most D-SNPs include a high level of dental, vision, and hearing care, as well as many other benefits.

What are the drawbacks of Medicare SNP?

Though Medicare SNP plans are designed to provide special services to those Medicare beneficiaries that need them, there are some drawbacks to the programs. The SNP plans frequently require their enrollees to see physicians and use providers that are part of pre-established networks, and this may preclude you from remaining with your existing physician. You also may need to get referrals to see specialists. The programs are not widely available, and those who believe they are qualified in the programs must meet specific SNP eligibility criteria. Beneficiaries may be disenrolled when their status changes and they no longer meet the criteria, and will then need to enroll in another plan. Though, if a beneficiary is disenrolled they will have a Special Enrollment Period to join another Medicare Advantage plan.

How long do you have to live in a nursing home to qualify for SNP?

To qualify for an Institutional Special Needs Plan, you must live in long-term care served by the SNP for a minimum of 90 days. To qualify, the facility can be either a nursing home or an intermediate care facility for those with intellectual disabilities. Alternatively, you must have met your state’s guidelines for requiring a nursing home-level of care for a minimum of 90 days whether you live in a community setting such as your home or a group residence or in an institution. Those who have not yet received care for at least 90 days but who are likely to need that level of care for that period of time can also qualify.

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What Is A Special Needs Plan?

  • A special needs plan (SNP) is a Medicare Advantage (MA) coordinated care plan (CCP) specifically designed to provide targeted care and limit enrollment to special needs individuals. A special needs individual could be any one of the following: 1. An institutionalized individual, 2. A dual eligible, or 3. An individual with a severe or disabling chronic condition, as specified by CMS…
See more on cms.gov

Statutory and Regulatory History

  • The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) established an MA CCP specifically designed to provide targeted care to individuals with special needs. In the MMA, Congress identified “special needs individuals” as: 1) institutionalized individuals; 2) dual eligibles; and/or 3) individuals with severe or disabling chronic conditions, as specified by CMS. MA CCPs established to provide se…
See more on cms.gov

Requirements and Payment Procedures

  • SNPs are expected to follow existing MA program rules, including MA regulations at 42 CFR 422, as modified by guidance, with regard to Medicare-covered services and Prescription Drug Benefit program rules. All SNPs must provide Part D prescription drug coverage because special needs individuals must have access to prescription drugs to manage and control their special health c…
See more on cms.gov

Site Overview

  • Specific information about each of the three SNP types (C-SNPs, D-SNPs, and I-SNPs), as well as information on the SNP Application and the SNP Model of Care, can be found by clicking the appropriate links on the left-hand side of this page. In addition, there is a link below to the online Medicare Managed Care Manual, which contains Chapter 16b – C...
See more on cms.gov

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