Medicare Blog

what qualifies for spcial needs medicare plan

by Prof. Mortimer Walsh PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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

Do I qualify for Medicare special needs plans?

To be eligible to join a Medicare Special Needs Plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, reside in the plan’s service area and meet specific medical requirements. Seniors with a disabling chronic condition or who live in a nursing home, require in home care or currently receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits may qualify.

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.

What does a special needs plan cover?

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.

Who is eligible for an SNP?

SNPs are available to anyone who meets the specific eligibility requirements of the plan, lives in the plan's service area and has both Medicare Part A and Part B due to age or disability. Plan availability varies by state and service area.

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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 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 qualifies 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 levels of Medicaid dual eligibility usually qualify for a D-SNP select all that apply?

Dual-eligibles, individuals of any age who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, qualify for D-SNPs. To be eligible for Medicare, individuals must be 65 years old or older or have a qualifying disability....Who Qualifies for D-SNPs?Type of D-SNPWho's Eligible to EnrollAll-DualAny dual-eligible beneficiary4 more rows

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 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.

Does COPD qualify for C SNP?

Chronic lung disorders These C-SNPs offer special care for those with lung-related disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension, or emphysema.

What is Dsnp and CSNP?

Overview. MedStar Medicare Choice Dual Advantage (HMO SNP, known as DSNP) and MedStar Medicare Choice Care Advantage (CSNP) are Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP) that provide medical and prescription drug benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

What is an Iesnp?

What Is an I-SNP? Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan. I-SNPs are designed to meet the needs of people living in long-term care settings, [i] such as: long-term care nursing facility.

What is the difference between Dsnp and MMP?

This includes providing beneficiaries with a seamless enrollment and disenrollment process and access to high-quality integrated healthcare. MMPs differ from SNPs in that they are a totally aligned product designed to further strengthen the coordination of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. A person can be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and receive benefits from both programs at the same time.

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 a Medicare Special Needs Plan and How Much Does It Cost?

Treatment of certain chronic health conditions such as cancer or dementia may require additional services above and beyond that which Medicare provides. For many seniors, extra cost associated with treatment is a burden and Special Needs Plans address these concerns.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to join a Medicare Special Needs Plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, reside in the plan’s service area and meet specific medical requirements. Seniors with a disabling chronic condition or who live in a nursing home, require in home care or currently receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits may qualify.

What Qualifies as a Chronic Condition?

Many seniors face chronic health conditions with age. However, to qualify for a Special Needs Plan, seniors must have one or more of the following chronic conditions:

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:

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.

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.

Who is covered by a Medicare SNP?

As mentioned above, Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits covered by Medicare Part A and Part B combined into one plan sold by a private insurance company.

What does a Medicare SNP cover?

Each Medicare SNP is designed to offer some unique benefits designed to serve the population for whom that plan is designed.

When can I enroll in a Medicare SNP?

You may enroll in a Medicare SNP during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 to December 7 every year.

What are the benefits of a Special Needs Plan?

Special Needs Plans can be particularly beneficial because of their focused coverage benefits.

How much does a Special Needs Plan cost?

Depending on the plan you have, a Special Needs Plan may include some of the following costs:

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 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.

Who can join a Medicare Special Needs Plan?

Not everyone who meets the eligibility requirements for Medicare is eligible for a Special Needs Plan.

What does an SNP cover?

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.

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.

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.

Can you be a dual eligible for Medicare?

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. People who meet this qualification are referred to as “dual-eligibles” ...

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Content on this site has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the United States Government, any state Medicare agency, or any private insurance agency (collectively "Medicare System Providers"). Eligibility.com is a DBA of Clear Link Technologies, LLC and is not affiliated with any Medicare System Providers.

What Are the SNP Requirements?

The most basic requirements – having Original Medicare and living in the plan’s service area – are true for all Special Needs Plans.

What Does a Care Coordinator Do?

Offered by some SNPs, a care coordinator is exactly what it sounds like: someone who helps you coordinate and manage your healthcare needs. In a D-SNP, your care coordinator keeps you informed about the community resources available to you. He or she also ensures your providers all accept Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating your services between the two programs.

Is it Always Better to Join an SNP?

Also, what special benefits does the SNP offer? If you have a chronic condition, you likely already have a care team. Does the C-SNP’s network cover them? If not, are you willing to change providers ?

Does SNP include Medicare?

Like any other MA plan, your SNP must provide all of the benefits you’re entitled to under Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Also like any other Medicare Advantage plan, your SNP may offer additional benefits. For example, all Special Needs Plans include prescription drug coverage.

Why is C-SNP not structured?

A C-SNP may not be structured around multiple commonly co-morbid conditions that are not clinically linked in their treatment because such an arrangement results in a general market product rather than one that is tailored for a particular population. C-SNPs are permitted to target a group of commonly co-morbid and clinically linked chronic conditions. Based on CMS’s data analysis and recognized national guidelines, CMS identified five combinations of commonly co-existing chronic conditions that may be the focus of a C-SNP.

Does CMS accept C-SNPs?

CMS accepts applications for C-SNPs that focus on the following multi-condition groupings:

What is a Special Needs Plan?

Special Needs Plans are special kinds of Medicare Advantage plans that have benefits that cover special health care or financial needs. All SNPs include prescription drug coverage, but availability of plans will depend on where you live. There are four kinds of Special Needs Plans.

What is a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)?

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 the plan with your Medicaid plan. In addition, a dual health plan provides extra benefits not provided by either Medicare or Medicaid.

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 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.

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.

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.

Who can enroll in a Special Needs Plan?

SNPs are available to anyone who meets the specific eligibility requirements of the plan , lives in the plan's service area and has both Medicare Part A and Part B due to age or disability. Plan availability varies by state and service area.

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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