What are the different types of Special Needs Plans (SNPs) in Medicare?

Answered by 7 licensed agents

There are Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP), Dual Eligible SNP (D-SNP), and Institutional SNP (I-SNP).

C-SNP are for people with chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes, Chronic Lung Conditions, Heart Conditions including but not limited CAD and Heart valve disease to name a few, cardiovascular disease which are conditions that effect the heart and blood vessels (stroke and heart failure).

D-SNP individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

I-SNP individuals who reside in an institution and/or receive the level of care of institutions.

Answered by Betty Evans on August 25, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Betty Evans Medicare Insurance Agent
The main two types of Special Needs Plans are C-SNP and D-SNP.

A C-SNP is a Chronic Special Needs Plan. These plans are designed to give extra attention and some extra benefits to beneficiaries with qualifying chronic conditions. The most common conditions are Diabetes, Chronic Heart Failure and Cardiovascular disease. However, each state my have different rules so check your state.

A D-SNP is a Dual Special Needs Plan. These plans are designed to address the needs of beneficiaries with extremely limited income and resources. These plans may offer additional support in paying Part B and Part D copays and coinsurance as well as offering grocery and utility benefits.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on August 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent
In Medicare, the three types of Special Needs Plans are: ISNP's for folks that are institutionalized in long term care facilities, DSNP's for folks that are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and lastly, CSNP's for folks with specific chronic health care conditions that the plan available in their area covers.

Answered by Terri McClinton on September 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, GA, MI & NJ, NY, OK & TX

Answered by Terri McClinton Medicare Insurance Agent
There are 3 types:

Special Needs plans include those that are Dual-Eligible (have Medicare and Medicaid)

Chronic Illness Special Needs Plans are plans for people with certain chronic conditions and

Institutional Special Needs Plans are for those that are expected to be in a long term care facility for longer than 90 days.

Answered by Heather Majka on August 25, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Heather Majka Medicare Insurance Agent
Chronic care plans are called CSNPs, Dual Eligible Plans are called DSNPs and ISNPs are for institutional needs covering members in long-term care, nursing homes, assisted living or skilled nursing. These coordinate medical care for qualifying members.

Answered by Alecia McMath on August 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AR & 18 other states

Answered by Alecia McMath Medicare Insurance Agent

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on August 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Answered by Voss Speros on August 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 20 other states

Answered by Voss Speros Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Coverage Eligibility Medicare Advantage

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