Do Special Needs Plans include prescription drug coverage?

Every Special Needs Plan (SNP, a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for a specific group such as people with both Medicare and Medicaid) is required to include prescription drug coverage, known as Part D, built into the plan. This is different from regular Medicare Advantage plans, where drug coverage is common but not guaranteed. Because Part D is built in, you would not add a separate standalone drug plan on top of an SNP. The plan's drug list is often tailored to the group it serves, so a Chronic Condition SNP focused on diabetes, for example, may emphasize medications related to that condition. In 2026, Part D coverage also includes a yearly out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 on covered prescription drugs, which applies to SNP members too. Always review a specific plan's drug list to confirm your medications are covered before enrolling.