Glossary
Special Needs Plan (SNP)
A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan limited to people who share a specific situation — having a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart failure, living in an institution, or qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid. The plan tailors its benefits, network, and drug list to that group.
There are three kinds. A Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP) serves people with a qualifying long-term illness; a Dual-Eligible SNP (D-SNP) serves people who have both Medicare and Medicaid; and an Institutional SNP (I-SNP) serves people who live in a nursing home or need that level of care. All SNPs include Part D drug coverage and usually add care coordination built around the group they serve.
Because each SNP is limited to a specific group, you have to meet the plan's eligibility rules to join. If you qualify, an SNP can offer more focused benefits than a standard plan.
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