Millions of people suffer from chronic diseases that seriously affect their quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. These diseases can be very devastating for individuals and their friends and family, leaving them wondering how they will cope. Not only are chronic diseases the leading causes of death and disability, but they’re also the main drivers of the nation’s annual healthcare costs.
Improving chronic care management is one of the most pressing issues in healthcare. Every day, millions of people find it extremely difficult to manage their symptoms. Additionally, research has found that chronic disease patients cost 17 times more than other healthcare patients. Promoting Chronic Conditions Special Needs Plans is imperative to ensure adequate care for adults suffering from chronic diseases. C-SNPs can improve patient outcomes and address patients’ daily problems, reducing barriers to healthcare access.
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What Are C-SNPs?
C-SNPs are Medicare Advantage plans formulated to meet the desired needs of people living with chronic diseases. They provide chronic care management and address conditions such as diabetes, cancer, end-stage renal disease, lung conditions, and heart disease. These plans are different from traditional Medicare plans because they’re only available to people who fit the special needs category that the plan serves. However, like all Medicare Advantage Plans, C-SNPs must provide the same benefits, rights, and protections as Original Medicare.
The biggest difference between C-SNPs and traditional Medicare plans is that C-SNPs offer additional benefits and services that aren’t typically covered by traditional Medicare plans. For example, C-SNPs may cover transportation services to medical appointments as well as dental, vision, and hearing care.
One of the most impressive things about C-SNPs is that they give chronic disease patients access to dedicated care teams and care plans tailored to their health needs and goals. Typically, care teams consist of primary care physicians, specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who work together to manage patients’ chronic conditions. These plans also offer disease management programs that help people with chronic conditions better understand and manage their health.
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Benefits of a C-SNP
C-SNPs provide many benefits for individuals with chronic health conditions. To start, they offer comprehensive healthcare coverage that includes all the benefits of Original Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage). This means that individuals with chronic health conditions can receive medical care without worrying about the expensive out-of-pocket cost of chronic disease. In addition to these basic benefits, C-SNPs are required to provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This means that individuals with chronic health conditions can receive the medications they need to manage their conditions without worrying about high drug costs.
Most C-SNPs also include coverage for routine dental, vision, and hearing care. This is a huge benefit for individuals with chronic disease because these conditions often affect the eyes, ears, and teeth. By providing additional support services and benefits, such as transportation to medical appointments, access to groceries, and alternative forms of therapy, C-SNPs can ensure chronic disease patients have accessible care and improved quality of life. Furthermore, by eliminating language and cultural barriers and matching members with appropriate care networks, C-SNPs can improve access to quality care for individuals from diverse communities.
C-SNPs also benefit insurance companies by reducing healthcare costs. By providing specialized care and coordination services to individuals with chronic health conditions, C-SNPs can prevent expensive hospitalizations and other medical interventions. This, in turn, can help insurance companies reduce healthcare costs and deliver more affordable healthcare coverage to their members.
C-SNPs play a significant role in addressing healthcare inequalities by offering targeted, personalized care approaches that meet the unique needs of chronic disease patients. As the healthcare industry continues to focus on wellness, prevention, and personalized care, C-SNPs will become an increasingly important tool in the effort to promote healthcare equity and ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need to stay healthy.
Dr. Khaliq Siddiq is the chief medical officer at Clever Care Health Plan. Dr Siddiq has more than twenty-five years of progressive experience with a strong foundation in medical program management, strategic planning, and team building. He is passionate about creating programs and initiatives to deliver high-quality health care in underserved and under-represented communities. Throughout his career, Dr. Siddiq has partnered with physician groups, hospitals, and health plans to improve access to care, clinical outcomes and member experience.
