(a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA plan, or SNP), the individual must meet the eligibility requirements specified in this section.
(b) Basic eligibility requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, to be eligible to elect an SNP, an individual must:
(1) Meet the definition of a special needs individual, as defined at Sec. 422.2;
(2) Meet the eligibility requirements for that specific SNP; and
(3) Be eligible to elect an MA plan under Sec. 422.50.
(c) Exception to Sec. 422.50. CMS may waive Sec. 422.50(a)(2) concerning the exclusion of persons with ESRD.
(d) Deeming continued eligibility. If an SNP determines that the enrollee no longer meets the eligibility criteria, but can reasonably be expected to again meet that criteria within a 6-month period, the enrollee is deemed to continue to be eligible for the MA plan for a period of not less than 30 days but not to exceed 6 months.
(e) Restricting enrollment. An SNP must restrict future enrollment to only special needs individuals as established under Sec. 422.2.
(f) Establishing eligibility for enrollment. A SNP must employ a process approved by CMS to verify the eligibility of each individual enrolling in the SNP. [70 FR 4716, Jan. 28, 2005, as amended at 74 FR 1541, Jan. 12, 2009]