Special Needs Plans (SNP)
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed to provide focused care coordination for individuals with specific eligibility characteristics. These plans are regulated by Medicare and must meet additional requirements beyond standard Medicare Advantage plans.
What Is a Special Needs Plan?
A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan that limits membership to individuals who meet defined eligibility criteria. SNPs are structured to tailor benefits, provider networks, and care coordination services to the needs of specific populations.
Types of Special Needs Plans
Medicare recognizes three primary types of Special Needs Plans, each serving a different eligible population.
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
- Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP)
- Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP)
Care Coordination
SNPs are required to provide enhanced care coordination services compared to standard Medicare Advantage plans. This may include individualized care plans, coordinated provider oversight, and structured management of chronic conditions when applicable.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment in an SNP requires that an individual meet the plan’s defined eligibility criteria. Eligibility must be verified and maintained according to Medicare guidelines. If eligibility status changes, continued enrollment in the plan may be affected.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is based on publicly available guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, or any federal agency. This content does not constitute plan-specific advice. For individual coverage questions, please consult a licensed insurance professional.