A Chronic Special Needs Plan Can Provide More Medicare Coverage to Members Dealing with Specific Chronic Conditions in California

Members enrolled in Medicare and have a cardiovascular disorder or diabetes may qualify for a Chronic Special Needs Plan.

"It breaks my heart when I speak with people who have had needless health complications because they didn’t have the money to see the doctor," said Larry Hurwitz, Founder and President of CA Medicare.

Calabasas, California (PRWEB) May 02, 2017

Individuals who are enrolled in Medicare and have a cardiovascular disorder or diabetes may qualify for a Chronic Special Needs Plan.

A Chronic Special Needs Plan or C-SNP restricts enrollment to individuals with specific chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. "It breaks my heart when I speak with people who have had needless health complications because they didn’t have the money to see the doctor," said Larry Hurwitz, Founder and President of CA Medicare.

Several carriers in California offer C-SNP plans. Since these plans are categorized as Medicare Advantage Plans, availability is based upon the county a member resides in. Currently, Los Angeles, Kern, and Orange County provide zero premium plans that cover glucose meters, test strips, and podiatry for diabetics. These benefits are provided without a copayment. Members will also be provided with the following: prescription drug coverage, 32 one-way trips to plan approved locations each year, and a personal case manager to coordinate care.

Moreover, while those enrolled in Original Medicare may experience excellent flexibility, unless those members enroll in a Medicare supplement and a prescription drug plan, there will be significant out of pocket costs.

Enrolling in Original Medicare with a chronic condition may not be the sensible solution if the out of pocket costs will dissuade a member from seeing a doctor.

C-SNP Medicare Advantage Plans are designed for members dealing with specific chronic conditions. For example, most Medicare advantage plans require the member to pay 20% of the Medicare allowed amount for durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and oxygen, while a C-SNP will only require the member to pay 10% until they satisfy their maximum out of pocket, at which point 100% will be covered.

CMS has made C-SNP available during the Special Enrollment Period, so a prospective member can enroll at anytime. *

Verification of a prospective members condition is a requirement for qualification. BenefitPackages.com can verify if a member is qualified for a C-SNP plan.

*Disclaimer

SEP’s are generally only available if: