Which of the following is a characteristic of a Special Needs Plan (SNP)?

The characteristic of a Special Needs Plan (SNP) that highlights its unique offering is its provision of specialized benefits tailored for specific populations. SNPs are designed to cater to individuals with specific health care needs, such as those with chronic conditions, individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, or those residing in institutions like nursing homes. This focused approach allows SNPs to offer customized care coordination and benefits aligned with the unique needs of their membership, which is a fundamental aspect of their design.

Other options do not reflect the nature of SNPs; for instance, stating that SNPs are only for individuals over 65 inaccurately generalizes the criteria since SNPs specifically target populations based on health care needs rather than age alone. Moreover, not all SNPs require referrals for all services, as the referral requirements can vary. Lastly, the availability of SNPs is not limited to urban areas; they can be offered in both urban and rural settings to ensure a broad reach to those who qualify.