Frequently Asked Questions

About Medicare Special Needs Plans

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP) are Medicare Advantage health insurance plans which are designed to meet the needs and conditions of certain groups of people. Eligibility for SNPs may be dependent on your healthcare status or eligibility for Medicaid. There are three different types of Special Needs Plans:
  • Medicare-Medicaid Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
  • Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP)
  • Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP)
Medicare-Medicaid Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. These plans can include benefits and coverage from both State-level Medicaid and Federal-level Medicare programs.
Chronic Conditions Special Needs Plans (C-SNP) are Medicare Advantage plans for beneficiaries with certain chronic or disabling conditions, such as diabetes, heart conditions, or cancer. These plans are designed with benefits and coverage to help beneficiaries manage certain chronic conditions.
Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP) are Medicare Advantage plans designed for beneficiaries who require long periods of institutional care at a facility, such as a long term care skilled nursing facility or standard nursing facility - LTC SNF/NF or a psychiatric facility. I-SNPs may also cover beneficiaries who require nursing care at home.
Yes, all Special Needs Plans are required to include Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage.
No, SNPs may not be available everywhere in the country. Insurance companies determine where they offer SNPs and other standard Medicare Advantage plans.

Health Insurance Companies Offering Plans

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers:

  • Aetna Medicare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Aspire Health Plan
  • Dean Health Plan
  • Devoted Health
  • GlobalHealth
  • Health Care Service Corporation
  • Cigna Healthcare
  • Humana
  • Medica Central Health Plan
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • Scott and White Health Plan now part of Baylor Scott & White Health
  • UnitedHealthcareⓇ
  • Wellcare