Definition. A type of Medicare Advantage special needs plan limited to people who have one or more specific chronic conditions that CMS allows these plans to serve.
What it means
A C-SNP is one of three kinds of special needs plans (the others serve people with both Medicare and Medicaid, and people living in institutions). Conditions C-SNPs can serve include diabetes, chronic heart failure, cardiovascular disorders, chronic lung disorders, end-stage renal disease, certain chronic and disabling mental health conditions, dementia and several others on CMS's list.
To join, you need Part A and Part B, must live in the plan's service area, and the plan checks with your doctor that you have the qualifying condition. All special needs plans include Part D drug coverage. If you no longer have the condition, the plan can disenroll you after a grace period, and you get a special enrollment period to choose other coverage.
In Oregon
CMS lists 26 special needs plans in Oregon for 2027, of all three kinds, and which ones you can join depends on your county. In Curry County, the only Medicare Advantage plan open for 2027 is a special needs plan. See your county on the county pages.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Special Needs Plans (SNP)
- CMS — 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files (Oregon plan counts)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to join a C-SNP if I have diabetes?
No. A C-SNP is one option. You can also have Original Medicare, with or without a Medigap policy and a Part D plan, or a regular Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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