What Type of Special Needs Plans Does Wellcare Offer?

A Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) helps support the specific needs of certain Medicare beneficiaries, such as people who live with certain chronic health conditions or those who are qualified for both Medicare and Medicaid.

A Wellcare Medicare Advantage SNP plan can offer more focused benefits than traditional Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C. A Wellcare Medicare SNP plan will take a team approach to care and coordinate treatments within a network of specialists to develop a personal care plan. 

Wellcare offers two main types of Special Needs Plans:

• Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP)
  A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan is designed for beneficiaries who have a particular chronic health condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or chronic heart failure.
  
  These plans offer more robust coverage for the services and items needed to treat your chronic health condition, such as insulin. A Wellcare Medicare C-SNP plan utilizes a coordinated care approach to better manage and reduce the health risks associated with your chronic health condition. 
  
  
• Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
  A Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan is designed for Medicare beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicaid coverage.
  
  Wellcare D-SNP plan members receive benefits such as stipends for over-the-counter health products, home meal delivery, transportation to pharmacies and doctors’ offices and more. You may even have access to a care manager who can coach you on ways to reach your health goals. 

What Do Wellcare Medicare Advantage SNP Plans Cover?

Wellcare Special Needs Plans include all your Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) coverage. A Wellcare Medicare SNP plan also covers extra benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as dental, vision, hearing, prescription drug coverage and more. 

Wellcare SNP plan members can benefit from the narrowly focused coverage that is tailored to their specific needs.

For example, a Wellcare C-SNP plan for beneficiaries with diabetes will offer more robust coverage of insulin and related items, or a Wellcare C-SNP plan for beneficiaries with heart disease may include a wider network of cardiologists and higher coverage of blood thinners and other treatments.

Am I Eligible for a Wellcare Special Needs Plan?

To be eligible for a Wellcare Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan: 

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
• For Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans, you must be diagnosed with the health condition for which the plan is designed.
• For Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans, you must be enrolled in Medicare, and you must meet the eligibility standards for Medicaid in your state. 

A Special Needs Plan may require periodic proof that you still meet the eligibility criteria.

How Much Do Wellcare Medicare Advantage SNP Plans Cost?

The cost of Wellcare Medicare Advantage SNP plans may vary by location and other factors, but many Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans are available with $0 or low premiums. 

Members of Wellcare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans do not pay premiums, copayments or coinsurance for covered care that is administered within the plan’s network.

When Can I Enroll in a Wellcare Medicare Advantage SNP Plan?

If you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, you may enroll in a Wellcare D-SNP plan at any time, if there is an available plan where you live. 

If you have a health condition that qualifies you for a C-SNP plan, you may enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This seven-month period typically begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month and continues for three additional months.

You may also be able to enroll during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which lasts from October 15 to December 7 each year. This enrollment period is also referred to as the fall Medicare open enrollment period.

If you develop a qualifying condition after you are already enrolled in Medicare, you may be granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) during which you may enroll in a Special Needs Plan, no matter what time of year. 

How Can I Find a Wellcare Special Needs Plan Near Me?

We’re here to simplify your Medicare shopping experience and help you learn about the Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans available where you live. We can help you compare local Medicare Advantage plans side by side so you can find the Wellcare plan that works for you. 

If there is a Wellcare Medicare Advantage Special Need Plan available where you live that fits your coverage needs, we can help you learn about the plan as you decide if it’s the right plan for you.