Explore Empire Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Medicare Advantage SNPs are for people with disabilities, living with certain medical conditions, or those who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. These plans include Original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) and add many valuable benefits.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Our D-SNPs offer benefits for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
A Care Manager that coordinates your care, medications, and benefits
Prescription drug coverage
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Support for OTC, utilities, groceries, and transportation
And a range of other benefits
Empire has full and partial dual eligible plans. If you’re receiving full medical benefits from your state, almost all of your out-of-pocket costs will be paid. Plans and benefits vary by state.
Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs)
Our C-SNPs offer care for people with diabetes, heart conditions, lung disease, or kidney disease. Plans and benefits vary by state.
Benefits tailored to your chronic condition
Dedicated care team to support you
Prescription drug coverage
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Support for OTC, utilities, groceries, and transportation
And a range of other benefits
Explore Anthem Chronic Condition (C-SNPs)
Count On Comprehensive Benefits Made For Your Specific Needs
An Empire Special Needs Plan gives you all-in-one coverage plus a care team that supports you every step of the way. You can count on benefits like these:
Over-the-counter health items, groceries, and utilities
$0 Premiums
Most plans have $0 monthly premiums which is good news for your pocketbook
$0 Copays
$0 prescription drug copays means your money goes further
Routine exams, cleanings, and a yearly eyewear allowance
Routine hearing exams and hearing aids
Rides included to plan-covered services
Stay in shape with free access to SilverSneakers® gym membership
This allowance supports your mobility and makes life a little easier
Get companionship and support to enhance your quality of life
Smart Tip: You may be eligible for the Empire Benefits Prepaid Card to help pay for utilities, groceries, and over-the-counter health items.1
Am I Eligible And How Do I Enroll?
You can enroll in an Empire Special Needs Plan (SNP) if you meet certain qualifications by plan type:
D-SNPs
Plans require that you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Full dual eligible means that you also qualify for full-state Medicaid benefits
Partial dual eligible means you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program as part of your state’s Medicaid program, but don’t receive full Medicaid medical benefits.
You can enroll or change plans one time each quarter and during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). If your status changes to full dual eligible, you can change to a full D-SNP at any time. Plans and benefits vary by state.
C-SNPs
Plans require that your doctor certifies that you have one of the following chronic conditions: diabetes, a heart condition, lung disease, or end-stage renal disease.
You can enroll when you’re first diagnosed or during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Smart Tip: If you don’t qualify for a SNP, see which Medicare Advantage plans might be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are for people with limited income or certain conditions or diseases. Benefits may include:
Extra support from a special team of care providers
Prescription drug coverage
Rides to health-related appointments
Healthy meals allowance
Medicare Part B premium coverage
SilverSneakers® gym membership
This list does not include all the benefits that come with Special Needs Plans. Coverage may change based on where you live.
Many SNPs are available with $0 premiums, deductibles, and copays. Depending on eligibility, some plans may charge a monthly premium in addition to the Part B premium. Deductibles, copayments, and other costs may vary based on the plan you choose. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, most of the costs will be covered for you by your state’s Medicaid program.
Specific groups of people can qualify for one of three types of SNPs:
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for people with diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease
Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) for residents of long-term care facilities
If you don’t qualify, Empire offers other Medicare Advantage plans that may be right for you.
Many people don’t realize they can get financial assistance from the federal government or their state. If you're not sure if you qualify for financial assistance or a duals plan, contact your state's Medicaid office.
Read Our Medicare Articles
Compare the differences between Medicare and Medicaid plans. You can also take a deeper dive and learn about Medicare Advantage enrollment, benefits, and more.
Attend A Free Event
Sign up and find out how Anthem Medicare plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t. You can attend a virtual webinar, or a live seminar where a Medicare licensed agent will be present to answer your questions.
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1 Benefits and rates may vary depending on where you live and which plan you choose.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.