Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs): D-SNP, C-SNP and I-SNP

The three kinds of Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans, who qualifies, how they coordinate with Medicaid, and when they make sense.

Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans limited to people with particular needs. Benefits, provider networks and drug formularies are tailored to the group.

Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNP)

For people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Many include extra benefits and coordinate Medicaid coverage. See dual eligibility.

Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNP)

For people with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions, such as diabetes, chronic heart failure or end-stage renal disease. You need documentation of the condition.

Institutional SNPs (I-SNP)

For people who live in a nursing home or need that level of care at home.

Enrollment

Most SNPs let qualifying members enroll or switch more often than standard plans. You still need Parts A and B, and you must live in the plan's service area.

Things to check

Provider network, prior authorization rules and what happens if you stop qualifying. Medigap does not work with SNPs; see how MA costs work.

Questions people ask

What is a D-SNP?

A Medicare Advantage plan for people with Medicare and Medicaid.

Who qualifies for a C-SNP?

People with specific qualifying chronic conditions.

What is an I-SNP?

A plan for people in nursing homes or needing that level of care.

Can I switch SNPs more often?

Many qualifying members get extra enrollment opportunities.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.