service area

Some services provided by your health plan may be limited to a defined service area. If you move out of the service area for some Medicare plans, you will automatically be disqualified from that plan.

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silver sneakers

Silver Sneakers refers to the growing population of Baby Boomers and, in some cases, seniors over the age of 65. A growing number of health insurers offer “Silver Sneakers” Medicare Advantage plans, but “Silver Sneakers” also generally applies to a growing number of senior-focused programs ranging from fitness courses to workshops and  senior discounts.

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skilled nursing

Skilled nursing care is care provided by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse and which may be covered by Medicare, Medicare, or other health plans.

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skilled nursing facility

A skilled nursing facility provides the staff and equipment to administer skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services or other health care services.

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social health maintenance organization

A social health maintenance organization is a health care insurance plan offering a complete range of coverage and benefits, including: personal care services, hearing aids, dental care, eyeglasses, prescription drug and chronic care benefits, short-term nursing home care and medical transportation services. An SHMO is more expensive, but enrollees are covered for far more services than Original Medicare.

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special election period

A special election period is a set time period during which Medicare recipients can change their plan or return to Medicare. Reasons for the change of plan may include a move from the area covered by a recipient’s existing Medicare plan, a violation of policy terms by a plan provider or other reason approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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special enrollment period

If you missed your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare Part B because you were still working (or your spouse was) at age 65 and were covered by an employer group health plan at that time, an eight-month special enrollment period begins the month after your job ends, or when your previous group health coverage ends – whichever happens first.

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special needs plan (SNP)

A Medicare special needs plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides all of the health care and services of Medicare Parts A and B to people who require special care for chronic illnesses, care management of multiple diseases, and focused care management. The plans may be limited to individuals in specific types of institutions – such as nursing homes – or beneficiaries who are dual eligible or who have specific chronic or disabling conditions.

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specified low-income Medicare beneficiaries

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries is a Medicaid program that will cover your Medicare Part B premiums if you have limited resources, an income below the poverty line, and are already receiving Medicare Part A.

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state health insurance assistance program (SHIP)

federally funded programs in each state and in some territories that provide free counseling and assistance to Medicare enrollees and their families. 

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state medical assistance office

Through its state medical assistance office, each state provides services – including Medicaid – and helpful information to low-income citizens.