What's So Special About Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans? Assessing Medicare Special Needs Plans for "Dual Eligibles"

In 2003 Medicare Part C became Medicare Advantage, which included provisions for Special Needs Plans (SNP's), which have significant implications for dual eligibles, persons eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The authors explore why SNP's are needed, their advantages to beneficiaries if properly set up, why many plans do not meet beneficiaries' needs as well as they might, and draw conclusions for improvement.