Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

A Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that limits membership to people with specific needs and tailors benefits, providers and drug lists to them. All SNPs include Medicare drug coverage.

Three types of SNPs

• D-SNP (Dual Eligible): for people with both Medicare and Medicaid.
• C-SNP (Chronic Condition): for people with certain severe or disabling chronic conditions, such as diabetes, chronic heart failure, End-Stage Renal Disease or dementia.
• I-SNP (Institutional): for people who live in a nursing home or other institution, or who need that level of care at home.

How SNPs work

You usually must use the plan's network and have a primary care doctor or care coordinator. Referrals are typically required for specialists.

When you can join

If you qualify, you can generally join a SNP when you first qualify and during certain Special Enrollment Periods. People with Medicaid or Extra Help have additional chances to change plans. See Medicare enrollment periods.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Medicare Special Needs Plan?

A Medicare Advantage Plan for people with specific needs: those with both Medicare and Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or who live in an institution.

Do Special Needs Plans include drug coverage?

Yes. All Special Needs Plans must include Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Who qualifies for a C-SNP?

People with certain severe or disabling chronic conditions that the plan is designed for, such as diabetes, chronic heart failure, ESRD or dementia.

Can I join a Special Needs Plan any time?

If you qualify, there are more chances to join than with other Medicare Advantage Plans, including Special Enrollment Periods tied to your situation.

Talk with a licensed agent

Questions about your Medicare options? Call 1-844-438-6284 (TTY 711) or request a free, no-obligation quote. We do not offer every plan available in your area.

Sources for 2026 figures: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles; Medicare.gov: Medicare costs; Medicare.gov: Part D costs. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).