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.
2021 Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plans by Type of Special Need |
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SNP Type | 2021 Plans |
2020 Plans | Net Change* | % Net Change | Dropped Plans* | % of '20 SNPs Dropped | 2019 Plans | 2018 Plans |
Chronic Illness | 203 | 165 | 38 | 23% | 25 | 15% | 127 | 132 |
Dual-Eligible | 598 | 540 | 58 | 11% | 78 | 14% | 465 | 401 |
Institutional | 174 | 150 | 24 | 16% | 23 | 15% | 125 | 97 |
Total | 975 | 855 | 120 | 14% | 126 | 15% | 580 | 630 |
Counties with the Largest Number of 2021 Special Needs Plans |
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Locations | SNPs | |||||||
Kings County, NY | 53 | |||||||
Queens County, NY | 53 | |||||||
New York County, NY | 52 | |||||||
Bronx County, NY | 49 | |||||||
Hillsborough County, FL | 44 | |||||||
Pinellas County, FL | 43 | |||||||
Nassau County, NY | 42 | |||||||
Pasco County, FL | 41 | |||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL | 40 | |||||||
Orange County, FL | 40 | |||||||
Broward County, FL | 39 | |||||||
Polk County, FL | 39 |
2021 Special Needs – Chronic Illness Plans Compared to the 2020 Plan Year |
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Chronic Illness | Number of SNPs | ||||
2021 Plans | 2020 Plans | Net Change | 2019 Plans | 2018 Plans | |
Cardiovascular Disorders | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Cardiovascular Disorders & Chronic Heart Failure | 14 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
Cardiovascular Disorders and Diabetes | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure & Diabetes | 3 | 67 | -64 | 45 | 45 |
Chronic and Disabling Mental Health Conditions | 93 | 2 | 91 | 6 | 2 |
Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Chronic Heart Failure | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Chronic Heart Failure & Diabetes | 3 | 6 | -3 | 5 | 6 |
Chronic Lung Disorders | 23 | 16 | 7 | 12 | 14 |
Dementia | 7 | 8 | -1 | 6 | 6 |
Diabetes Mellitus | 34 | 37 | -3 | 27 | 28 |
End-stage Renal Disease Requiring Dialysis (any mode of dialysis) | 9 | 10 | -1 | 8 | 15 |
End-stage Renal Disease Requiring Dialysis or HIV/AIDS | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
HIV/AIDS | 0 | 4 | -4 | 3 | 3 |
Total Chronic Illness SNPs | 203 | 165 | 38 | 127 | 132 |
2021 Special Needs Plan Reach by Type of Need |
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SNP Type | 2021 | 2020 | Change '20 to '21 | Percent Change '20 to '21 | 2019 | 2018 | 2013 |
Chronic Illness | 2,667 | 2,364 | 303 | 13% | 2,131 | 2,113 | 6,402 |
Dual-Eligible | 15,235 | 11,930 | 3,305 | 28% | 9,393 | 7,990 | 5,284 |
Institutional | 2,441 | 1,906 | 535 | 28% | 1,503 | 1,165 | 537 |
Total | 20,343 | 16,200 | 4,143 | 26% | 13,027 | 11,268 | 12,223 |