Medicare Blog

what conditions are in the special needs coverage for medicare

by Emmie Grady Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP) There are 15 different health conditions that may have a corresponding Medicare Special Needs Plan: Chronic alcohol and drug dependence Certain autoimmune disorders Cancer (excluding pre-cancer conditions or in-situ status) Certain cardiovascular disorders Chronic heart failure Dementia Diabetes mellitus End-stage liver disease End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis Certain severe hematologic disorders HIV/AIDS Chronic lung disorders Chronic and disabling mental health conditions Neurologic disorders Stroke

  • Chronic alcohol and drug dependence
  • Certain autoimmune disorders
  • Cancer (excluding pre-cancer conditions or in-situ status)
  • Certain cardiovascular disorders
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Dementia
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • End-stage liver disease
  • End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
  • Certain severe hematologic disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Chronic lung disorders
  • Chronic and disabling mental health conditions
  • Neurologic disorders
  • Stroke

How Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) work
  • Chronic alcohol and other dependence.
  • Autoimmune disorders.
  • Cancer (excluding pre-cancer conditions)
  • Cardiovascular disorders.
  • Chronic heart failure.
  • Dementia.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • End-stage liver disease.

What are Medicare special needs plans (SNPs)?

Medicare special needs plans (SNPs) are unusual Medicare Advantage plans that provide coordinated care for people who have certain severe diseases or who meet other requirements. There are three types of SNPs: chronic condition, dual-eligible, and institutional. People need proof of eligibility to enroll.

What is a special needs plan?

A Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan (also called Medicare Part C) that is designed specifically for someone with a particular disease or financial circumstance. The coverage offered by each SNP is built around providing more narrowly-focused care that better meets the needs of the patient. Learn More About Medicare

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

What are the benefits of a Medicare Advantage special needs plan?

In addition to the tailored benefits, Special Needs Plans provide all the same basic coverage as Original Medicare. A Medicare Advantage SNP may also offer benefits such as coverage for dental, hearing and vision care, as well as prescription drug coverage. What are the benefits of a Special Needs Plan?

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What are the three types of special needs plans for Medicare?

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

What is chronic condition SNP?

Chronic Condition Special Needs (C-SNP) plans are a type of Medicare Advantage (MA) plan designed to meet the unique needs of people with one or more chronic conditions, including diabetes, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), lung conditions or heart disease.

Who is eligible for a 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 does SNP mean Medicare?

Special Needs PlansSpecial Needs Plans (SNP) | Medicare.

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.

What does HMO C SNP mean?

C-SNPs are SNPs that restrict enrollment to special needs individuals with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions, defined in 42 CFR 422.2.

What are dual special needs plans Dsnp?

What is a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)? A dual special needs plan is a type of health insurance plan. It's for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. If that's you, you're “dual-eligible.” (That's just another way of saying you can have Medicaid and Medicare at the same time).

How is a CSNP or Dsnp members care management?

How is a CSNP or DSNP member's care management health risk levels determined initially? The member completes a Health Assessment that asks a series of questions about their health status and assistance they may need with activities of daily living.

What program supports CSNP and Dsnp?

Medicare Choice is committed to offering a Model of Care (MOC) that meets the unique needs of both DSNP and CSNP members.

What does the SNP model of care include?

SNP Model of Care is the overall plan for SNP structure, processes, resources, and requirements. SNP MOCs must identify and describe the target population, including health and social factors, and unique characteristics of each SNP type.

How many individuals in the US are enrolled in dual special needs plans?

Roughly 12 million individuals are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in the United States today. Many of these individuals manage multiple chronic conditions, physical or developmental disabilities, functional and cognitive impairments, and substance use disorders.

Does Dsnp include prescription drug coverage?

Extra Help for People with Limited Income and Resources All Medicare SNPs include Medicare prescription drug coverage. Usually, you pay a copayment for your prescriptions. If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Extra Help paying your prescription drug coverage costs.

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).

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.

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 ...

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 a Medicare Special Needs Plan?

A Medicare Special Needs plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan available only to people who have certain qualifying health conditions or situations.

Who can join an SNP?

Anyone who is eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance), lives in the plan’s service area, and meets the plan’s eligibility requirements can join an SNP.

What are the different types of SNP plans and eligibility requirements?

There are several kinds of SNPs, and to be eligible to sign up, enrollees must meet the qualifications for at least one of these:

How does a Medicare SNP work?

Medicare SNPs must provide you with the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they usually offer more help and covered benefits than Original Medicare or other Medicare Advantage plans. This additional care includes:

How much do SNP plans cost?

That depends. SNPs generally don’t cost more than other Medicare Advantage plans. But because some SNPs offer additional care, they may charge a monthly premium in addition to the base premium.

Can I get my healthcare from any doctor or network?

Usually, you need to stay in the Medicare SNP network, which is generally geared toward your specific needs or condition. There are two exceptions, however:

What questions should I ask before I enroll in an SNP?

Just as you would before joining any plan, your questions should be geared toward your individual needs. Here are some examples of things to ask to help you narrow down your choices.

What is Medicare Advantage Special Needs?

Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans can also cater more specifically to the needs of people with: There also Special Needs Plans that can be available to people who reside in a long-term care facility such as a skilled nursing home.

What is a special needs plan?

A Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan (also called Medicare Part C) that is designed specifically for someone with a particular disease or financial circumstance. The coverage offered by each SNP is built around providing more narrowly-focused care that better meets the needs of the patient.

What is a SNP plan?

A Medicare SNP, or Special Needs Plan, is a type of Medicare Advantage plan tailored to the needs of specific health conditions or circumstances. Learn more about what a Medicare Advantage SNP might cover, how these plans typically work and how and when you can enroll in an SNP plan. Medicare Advantage plans called Special Needs Plans (SNP) ...

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative way to receive Original Medicare benefits (Part A and Part B), and many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that aren't covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans come in a variety of types such as HMOs and PPOs. While Original Medicare can be used all over the country, ...

What is SNP network?

SNP network providers are typically specialists who focus their care on the very type of condition, symptoms and treatment associated with your situation. The right type of care can be hard to find, and Special Needs Plans can help you find the specialized providers you need. Medicare Special Needs Plans also generally feature a list ...

What is a SNP in Medicare?

Each Medicare SNP is designed to offer some unique benefits designed to serve the population for whom that plan is designed. For example, a Medicare SNP for beneficiaries who have a chronic lung disorder may include: A network of providers who specialize in treating lung conditions.

Why are special needs plans beneficial?

Special Needs Plans can be particularly beneficial because of their focused coverage benefits. Care coordination. Some Special Needs Plans feature care coordination services. These plans may assign a care coordinator to each member who serves as a sort of "quarterback" for your care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What are the three types of Medicare special needs plan?

The three types of special needs plan serve different groups of people:

Who's eligible to join a SNP?

By law, Medicare SNPs are not available to just anybody. You can enroll in a SNP only if:

How are these plans different from typical Medicare Advantage plans?

All Medicare Advantage plans provide hospitalization benefits and coverage of necessary medical services; some plans — including some SNPs — also offer vision, hearing, and dental care. But SNPs are different, because their benefits are specifically focused on plan members’ personal circumstances.

How much do Medicare special needs plans cost compared to original Medicare?

The cost of an SNP, as with all Medicare Advantage plans, reflects its plan type and benefits.

How do you enroll in a Medicare special needs plan?

Normally, if you meet the requirements for a SNP, you can join it during the regular Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, the situation that made you eligible for the SNP may also qualify you to have a special enrollment period (SEP).

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The bottom line

Medicare Advantage special needs plans focus on coordinating care for three different groups: people with specific chronic illnesses, people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, or people who need institution-level nursing care. Membership is limited to people with these conditions or in these situations.

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