Significant changes in the 2021 Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) landscape

The Big Picture: More 2021 SNP options

First, based on our analysis, the bad news is that about 15% of the 2020 Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) will be discontinued in 2021 — as compared to around 13% of the 2019 Special Needs Plans that were discontinued in 2020.

However, the good news is a large number of new 2021 Medicare Advantage SNPs will be introduced - and with these newly released SNPs, we will actually see an 14% increase in the total nationwide 2021 SNP landscape, and a 23% increase in chronic illness SNPs (c-SNPs).  The vast majority of SNPs remains Dual-Eligible (D-SNPs) (61%). 

Across the country, we will see an increase in the total number of 2021 Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs); and SNP gains in some counties will more than offset SNP losses in other areas (or even the same counties).

You can see 2020/2021 SNP gains and losses with our Medicare Advantage plan comparison tool MA-Compare found at https://MA-Compare.com.

Reminder: A Medicare Advantage SNP is not designed for everyone.

Often you will find a Medicare Advantage SNP in your area that is very well-priced with feature-rich benefits and an extensive drug formulary - making the plan a very appealing coverage option.  But, please remember that you cannot join (or remain in) a Medicare Advantage SNP unless you qualify for the plan’s “Special Need” - that is, SNPs are designed for people with specific conditions, diseases, or characteristics -- and you must meet (and continue to meet) the plan's "Special Need" to be eligible for enrollment.

• Chronic Illness SNPs or C-SNPs (like diabetes, heart disease, or ESRD),
  
  
• Dual-Eligible Medicare/Medicaid SNPs or D-SNPs (for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries), and
  
  
• Institutional SNPs (for Nursing and Long-Term Care (LTC) residents).