SNP — Special Needs Plan

Definition. A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan limited to people in one of three groups: people with both Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNP), people with certain chronic conditions (C-SNP), or people who live in, or need the level of care of, a nursing facility (I-SNP). SNPs include Part D drug coverage.

What it means

• D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan): for people with Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNPs coordinate the two programs.
• C-SNP (Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan): for people with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions on CMS's list, such as diabetes, chronic heart failure or end-stage renal disease.
• I-SNP (Institutional Special Needs Plan): for people who live, or are expected to live, in a nursing facility or similar setting for 90 days or more, or who need that level of care at home.

Every SNP must have a model of care approved by CMS that describes how it coordinates members' care. You can join a SNP when you qualify, and some SNP members have Special Enrollment Periods during the year.

In Oregon

For 2027, CMS lists 26 special needs plans in Oregon. Each Coordinated Care Organization must work with Medicare Advantage plans that serve dual-eligible members in its area, and the Oregon Health Authority contracts directly with some D-SNPs. In Curry County, the only Medicare Advantage plan offered for 2027 is a special needs plan. Check your county's page and Medicare and OHP together.