Medicare Blog

when can you join a c-snp medicare advantage plan

by Gerson Pagac Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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You qualify for Medicaid: If you have Medicaid or are newly eligible for Medicaid, you can enroll in a Medicare Special Needs Plan at any time.

Full Answer

When to apply for SNPs for Medicare?

If you qualify for Medicare and match the characteristics for an SNP plan, you can apply anytime. You don’t need to wait for the various open enrollment periods that Medicare has throughout the year. What are the pros and cons of SNPs?

Who can join an SNP?

You can join an SNP if you have certain chronic conditions, require care from a nursing home, or are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. As a type of Medicare Advantage plan, SNPs offer additional coverage compared to Original Medicare, such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage.

What is a C-SNP plan?

C-SNP stands for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan. C-SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Because of the plan’s targeted care, eligible members typically have medical conditions or characteristics in common.

What is a Medicare Advantage special needs plan (SNP)?

If you’re looking into Medicare Advantage plans, you’re smart to include Special Needs Plans (SNPs) in your search. While not everyone can be a part of one, SNPs can provide tailored benefits to those who are eligible for them. What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP)? Special Needs Plans are one way to receive your Medicare coverage.

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How do you qualify for C-SNP?

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 Medicare 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.

When can I add an advantage plan to my Medicare?

Sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or a Medicare drug plan. During the 7‑month period that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

What is a combination C-SNP?

Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP) are for members with disabling chronic conditions (categories defined by CMS).

What is HMO C SNP?

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) plan. There are three different types of SNPs: Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP)

Is SNP a Medicare Advantage Plan?

How Medicare SNPs work. 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.

Can you add Medicare Part C at any time?

It runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can add, change, or drop Medicare Advantage plans during the AEP, and your new coverage starts on January 1 of the following year.

Can I switch from a Medigap plan to an Advantage plan?

Can you switch from Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to Medicare Advantage? Yes. There can be good reasons to consider switching your Medigap plan. Maybe you're paying too much for benefits you don't need, or your health needs have changed and now you need more benefits.

Do you have to pay for Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C premiums vary, typically ranging from $0 to $200 for different coverage. You still pay for your Part B premium, though some Medicare Part C plans will help with that cost.

How long do plans using the C snip pre enrollment verification process have to verify the qualifying chronic condition until they must deny the enrollment request?

How long do plans using the CSNP pre-enrollment verification process have to verify the qualifying chronic condition until they must deny the enrollment request? Within 21 days of the request for additional information or the end of the month in which the enrollment request is made (whichever is longer).

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

Which consumer may be a good candidate for a Dsnp?

A good candidate for a D-SNP meets the eligibility requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid. Those over 65 who are not on Medicaid but receive Extra Help or state assistance are also good D-SNP candidates.

What is a C-SNP?

C-SNP stands for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan. C-SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Because of the plan’s targete...

What is a C-SNP Medicare Plan?

C-SNP Medicare plans are required to cover at least as much as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). This includes hospitalizations, medical care...

Who Qualifies C-SNP?

To be eligible for a C-SNP, you must meet these requirements:

What chronic conditions qualify for a SNP?

There is a wide range of health conditions that can qualify you for a C-SNP. They include:[i]

When Can I Enroll in a C-SNP?

If you meet the eligibility requirements for a C-SNP, you can enroll at any time. This is known as a Special Enrollment Period. If you are newly di...

List of Chronic Conditions

Section 1859 (b) (6) (B) (iii) of the Act and 42 CFR 422.2 define special needs individuals with severe or disabling chronic conditions as special needs individuals “who have one or more co-morbid and medically complex chronic conditions that are substantially disabling or life threatening; have a high risk of hospitalization or other significant adverse health outcomes; and require specialized delivery systems across domains of care.” CMS solicited public comments on chronic conditions meeting the clarified definition and convened the SNP Chronic Condition Panel in the fall of 2008.

Grouping Chronic Conditions

When completing the SNP application, MAOs may apply to offer a C-SNP that targets any one of the following:

CMS-Approved Group of Commonly Co-morbid and Clinically-Linked Conditions

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.

What Are Special Needs Plans?

If you live in the state of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Wisconsin.

C-SNPs?

Each C-SNP caters to a different chronic condition, and enrollees must have that chronic condition to be eligible to enroll in the plan. For example, a person with diabetes may join a C-SNP that serves people with diabetes.

What is a C-SNP plan?

Many C-SNP carriers offer plan benefits designed exclusively for beneficiaries with the qualifying conditions. For example, a diabetes C-SNP may offer a customized prescription benefit for some diabetic medications. The plan may also offer $0 copays for certain specialists to treat their condition.

What conditions qualify for C-SNP?

According to Medicare.gov, the chronic conditions that may qualify someone for a C-SNP include the ones listed below. CMS.gov lists additional conditions that may qualify someone for a C-SNP, if you have a client who you think could be eligible for a plan. Autoimmune disorders. Cancer (excluding pre-cancer conditions)

Do special needs plans include prescriptions?

Unlike standard MA plans, Special Needs Plans, like C-SNPs, must include prescription drug coverage. More than just regular MA plans, C-SNPs aim to help their members manage their chronic conditions, avoid hospitalizations, and improve their health outlook.

Can you sell C-SNPs year round?

Individuals who newly qualify for a C-SNP get a unique special enrollment period to join this type of plan. In general, agents who offer C-SNPs can sell them year-round!

Can C-SNPs sell MA plans?

C-SNPs can allow health insurance agents to keep selling Medicare Advantage (MA) plans during lock-in, but they are one of the lesser-known, and not-as-heavily-marketed, products in the Medicare world.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Can you get a special needs plan with Medicare?

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

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.

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 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 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 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.

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***NEW*** Request For Information

  • CMS has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from the public on the review and updating of the list of special needs plan (SNP) specific chronic conditions by a panel of clinical advisors to be held during the fall of 2019. Comments will be used to inform the panel’s review and update of the current list of qualifying chronic conditions. Responses to the RFI will be acce…
See more on cms.gov

List of Chronic Conditions

  • Section 1859(b)(6)(B)(iii) of the Act and 42 CFR 422.2 define special needs individuals with severe or disabling chronic conditions as special needs individuals “who have one or more co-morbid and medically complex chronic conditions that are substantially disabling or life threatening; have a high risk of hospitalization or other significant adverse health outcomes; and require specialize…
See more on cms.gov

Grouping Chronic Conditions

  • When completing the SNP application, MAOs may apply to offer a C-SNP that targets any one of the following: 1. A single CMS-approved chronic condition (selected from the list above), 2. A CMS-approved group of commonly co-morbid and clinically-linked conditions (described below), or 3. An MAO-customized group of multiple chronic conditions (describ...
See more on cms.gov

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