Special Needs Plans for Targeted Care
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a vital part of Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage offerings. They cater to individuals with specific needs, providing tailored care and coverage.
The offered SNPs include Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for those qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid and Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for individuals with severe or disabling chronic conditions.
In 2021, federal regulations changed, making individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) now eligible for Medicare Advantage plans. This development has broadened the scope of Elevance Health’s care services, making comprehensive care more accessible.
But how do these SNP options cater to distinct needs? We’ll examine this further.
Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs)
Managing chronic conditions requires a specialized approach, and that’s where Elevance Health’s Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) come into play. These plans are specifically designed to provide benefits and services that address the unique healthcare needs of beneficiaries with certain chronic conditions.
Building a lasting relationship with a Primary Care Provider enables a more personalized and comprehensive approach to healthcare over time. Chronic care management and access to necessary healthcare services are central components of the C-SNP program, facilitating effective management of chronic health issues.
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) cater specifically to individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This streamlines their access to healthcare services, making it easier to navigate the healthcare landscape.
D-SNP enrollees also receive coordinated care management, ensuring efficient navigation of their plan’s benefits, medication requirements, and healthcare services.
Your Complete Guide to Enrollment
While being aware of your Medicare Advantage options is vital, grasping the enrollment process and timeframe is equally important. In Indiana, the annual Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period stretches from October 15 to December 7.
During this period, individuals can join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage Plans, with the new coverage kicking in on January 1 of the subsequent year.
For Indiana residents who missed the annual Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period or who are looking to make changes to their existing Medicare Advantage plans, there is an Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.
During this window, individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have the option to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Any changes made during this period will take effect on the first of the month following the receipt of your enrollment request.
But what about those new to Medicare or those who need to make changes outside of the open enrollment period? These individuals have an Initial Enrollment Period that starts three months before they receive Medicare and ends three months after.
If a person doesn’t enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during their Initial Eligibility Period, they may have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period to join unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to certain life events.