The answer
Who qualifies for a Special Needs Plan?
You qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP, a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for a specific group) if you fit one of three categories the plan serves.
A Dual Eligible SNP, or D-SNP, is for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. A Chronic Condition SNP, or C-SNP, is for people with a specific severe or disabling chronic condition the plan covers, such as diabetes or chronic heart failure. An Institutional SNP, or I-SNP, is for people who live in a facility like a nursing home or who need that level of care at home. To join any SNP you must have Medicare Part A and Part B, live in the plan's service area, and meet the plan's specific eligibility, which the plan verifies. If you stop meeting the requirement, such as losing Medicaid, there is usually a grace period before you must change plans. To find out if you qualify, reach out to a licensed Goodsurance advisor at 1-888-301-8091 (TTY 711), Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm PT.