Medicare Blog

what is special needs medicare advantage?

by Letitia Grimes I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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)
Dec 1, 2021

What does SNP mean Medicare?

Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans (SNP) | Medicare.

Is SNP a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare SNPs cover the same Medicare services that all Medicare Advantage plans must cover. Medicare SNPs may also cover extra services tailored to the special groups they serve, like extra days in the hospital. Contact your plan to learn exactly what benefits and services the plan covers.

Who is eligible for C SNP?

C-SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. 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.

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 is the difference between D SNP and MMP?

An MMP is an alignment initiative in which Medicare and Medicaid benefits are offered as a single plan in a three-way contract between CMS, the state Medicaid agency (SMA), and the health plan; a D-SNP model is when a health plan holds a contract with Medicare and then a separate contract with the SMA to provide ...

Can you have Medicare and Humana at the same time?

People eligible for Medicare can get coverage through the federal government or through a private health insurance company like Humana. Like Medicaid, every Medicare plan is required by law to give the same basic benefits.Mar 29, 2022

What is SNP type?

What is a SNP? A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with prescription drug coverage (Part D), but is only available to those beneficiaries who have an additional qualifying condition.Oct 1, 2021

What is Humana Gold Plus SNP de HMO?

Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H8908-005 (HMO D-SNP) is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a summary of what we cover and what you pay.

Does diabetes qualify for C 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.

What does D SNP stand for?

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans
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.Dec 1, 2021

What does CMS consider a chronic condition?

Prevalence and Medicare utilization and spending are presented for the 21 chronic conditions listed below.
...
Chronic Conditions.
Alcohol AbuseDrug Abuse/ Substance Abuse
Cancer (Breast, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate)Ischemic Heart Disease
Chronic Kidney DiseaseOsteoporosis
8 more rows
Dec 1, 2021

What is a dual eligible SNP?

Dual Eligible SNP (D-SNP): You have both Medicare and Medicaid. This is the most common SNP, with about 88% of enrollees in these plans. People with D-SNP can receive support in coordinating their Medicare plan with Medicaid, since it can be confusing to work through all the details. In addition, a D-SNP provides benefits that Medicare alone or Medicaid alone does not.

Why are SNPs important?

SNPs are tailored for people with specific diseases or characteristics. This is important for anyone experiencing a chronic health issue, but especially for older adults, who are living longer and becoming a larger percentage of our population, according to the United States Census Bureau.

What is a SNP plan?

Specialized care. Your SNP is designed to specifically serve people in your situation or with your condition. If you have a C-SNP, for example, for type 2 diabetes, your plan could include blood glucose and insulin management tools, vision, hearing, dental, and routine foot care—services that might not necessarily or normally be available with a non-SNP plan or Original Medicare. These are all features you may need to help you manage your disease.

What is a special needs Medicare 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.

Do SNPs have the same benefits as Medicare?

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:

Can SNPs charge more than Medicare?

In addition, SNPs cannot charge more than Original Medicare charges for certain kinds of care, including chemotherapy, dialysis, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. But SNPs can charge higher copays for other services, including home health, durable medical equipment (DME), and inpatient hospital care. All SNPs are required to provide Part D coverage.

Do you need a referral for a mammogram?

You also generally need a referral to see a specialist, unless it’s for preventive services such as a mammogram or a Pap test and pelvic exam.

What is MIPPA for SNP?

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. MIPPA further extended the SNP program through December 31, 2010, thereby allowing CMS to accept MA applications for new SNPs and SNP service area expansions until CY 2010. CMS accepted SNP applications from MA applicants for creating new SNPs and expanding existing CMS-approved SNPs for all three types of specialized SNPs in accordance with additional SNP program requirements specified in MIPPA. CMS regulations that implement and further detail MIPPA application requirements for SNPs are located at 42 CFR 422.501-504.

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) ...

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 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 ...

Where to find SNP information?

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 – CMS's current sub-regulatory guidance on SNPs.

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.

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.

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 are the two types of networks?

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. Often, this means that an area might be served by more than one network. Networks dealing with a certain health issue, like dementia.

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.

Can a network leave Medicare?

Each year, networks can choose to leave Medicare, meaning the people they serve will need to find a new network to cover them

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).

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 dual eligible plan?

These plans are designed for people who are “dual-eligible,” or eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans are for people who are institutionalized in a nursing home or require nursing care at home. Keep in mind, Special Needs Plans may not be available where you live.

What is Medicare Advantage Special Needs?

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.

What is a dual eligible SNP?

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a dual-eligible SNP might offer a care coordinator who is equipped to help you access your various Medicare and Medicaid services. A coordinator could assist with transitions between home, hospital, or care facility; connect you to social services agencies; or make sure you receive all the Medicare and Medicaid benefits you’re entitled to.

What is Medicare Advantage?

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.

What is a dual SNP?

Dual-eligible SNP (D-SNP): For people who are qualified to get both Medicare and Medicaid, a situation known as dual eligibility .

How to apply for SNP?

To apply for a Medicare SNP, you can either call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or directly contact the company that sells the plan you're interested in. You'll need to provide some form of proof that you meet the SNP's eligibility criteria. Examples of acceptable proof include a physician's letter, your Medicaid card, or documentation saying you're expected to need long-term care for at least 90 days .

What is an institutional SNP?

Institutional SNP (I-SNP): For people who live in a nursing home or inpatient care facility. Plans for people who require a high level of nursing care yet live at home are sometimes called institutional equivalent SNPs (IE-SNP).

How long do you have to requalify for SNP?

Once disenrolled, you have a grace period of at least 1 month to requalify. If at that time you want to switch plans, you can do so during the special enrollment period that occurs when you lose SNP coverage.

What are the benefits of dual special needs?

Dental, vision and hearing coverage, care coordination via a personal care coordinator, personal emergency response system (PERS), tele-health options such as virtual medical visits with your doctor, credits to buy health products, plus transportation assistance and more. These are just a handful of examples of the extra benefits Dual Special Needs Plans typically include. Each plan is different, so be sure to look at what's available where you live.

What is a dual special needs plan?

A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a unique Medicare Advantage plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You'll get extra support to help coordinate ...

What are SNP specific conditions?

There are 15 SNP-specific chronic conditions approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Chronic alcohol and other drug dependences.

What is a special care plan?

A special kind of coordinated care plan exists called a Special Needs Plan. These are a unique kind of Medicare Advantage plan offered by private insurance companies for certain qualified individuals.

Can dual special needs be replaced with medicaid?

A Dual Special Needs Plan doesn't replace your Medicaid plan or change your Medicaid eligibility. You'll keep the same Medicaid plan you have today, and you'll still get all the same Medicaid benefits you get now. Learn more about Dual Special Needs coverage.

Is Medicaid considered a partial or full dual?

Depending on the amount of Medicaid benefits you receive, you may be considered a "full dual-eligible" or a "partial dual-eligible.". If you receive full Medicaid benefits, you will be fully dual-eligible. Most of the time, individuals who qualify get a letter from their state Medicaid office.

Does Medicare Advantage cover special needs?

Special Needs Plans cover the same health care services that all Medicare Advantage plans must including Medicare Part A and Part B. Some SNPs may also cover extra services tailored to the specific group they're designed to serve; however, all Special Needs Plans are required to provide prescription drug coverage.

What is a SNP plan?

What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP)? Special Needs Plans are one way to receive your Medicare coverage. SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage plan, which is a health plan offered by a private insurance company that has contracted with Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes called Part C.

What does SNP cover?

SNPs typically cover the following: Care and services from providers in the SNP network. In most SNPs, you’ll choose a primary care doctor who will coordinate your care and give you referrals to specialists when needed. However, you can go outside the network for emergencies and urgent care needs. Prescription drugs.

What are the characteristics of a chronic condition?

To qualify, you must have one of these three characteristics: You have a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or one of 13 other ailments determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 2 You can join a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan, or C-SNP. You have both Medicare and Medicaid.

How to qualify for Medicare?

To qualify, you must have one of these three characteristics: 1 You have a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or one of 13 other ailments determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 2 You can join a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan, or C-SNP. 2 You have both Medicare and Medicaid. People who meet this qualification are referred to as “dual-eligibles” and can join plans called Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, or D-SNPs. Not sure what the difference is? Compare Medicare vs. Medicaid. 3 You live in an institution such as a nursing home, or you require that level of care at home. You can join an Institutional Special Needs Plan, or I-SNP.

How long have SNPs been around?

By grouping people in this way, the plan can provide targeted programs and support that may help them be healthier. SNPs have been around since 2006, and they have been growing steadily in recent years. In 2019, nearly three million Americans were part of Medicare Special Needs Plans. 1. There are three types of SNPs, which are explained below.

Is a SNP a PPO?

Like HMOs and PPOs, SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage plan. However, SNPs are defined by who they serve, while HMOs and PPOs are defined by the types of provider networks they have and how you access them. So, a plan can be both an SNP and an HMO or PPO. 3.

Does SNP cover Medicare?

Like all Medicare Advantage plans, SNPs must cover the same services as Original Medicare (Parts A and B). So SNPs can’t cover any less than what Original Medicare does, and usually they cover more. SNPs typically cover the following: Care and services from providers in the SNP network. In most SNPs, you’ll choose a primary care doctor who will ...

What is a special needs plan?

A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with prescription drug coverage (Part D), but is only available to those beneficiaries who have an additional qualifying condition. For example, those who: 1 Have a specific chronic health condition 2 Are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid 3 Are a resident of a long-term care facility

What are the requirements for SNP?

To be eligible for an SNP, you must have Medicare Parts A and B and meet the specific conditions of the SNP. Depending on the specific plan, benefits may also include coverage for routine dental, vision and hearing care; nonemergency transportation to and from medical care; fitness programs; an over-the-counter medication allowance and more.

Does Humana have online enrollment?

Due to the specific eligibility requirements of SNPs, Humana does not provide an online enrollment option for these plans.

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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 chr...
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 – CMS's current sub-regulatory gu…
See more on cms.gov

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