If you’re living with a chronic condition, you may qualify for special benefits under some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.

Because Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are run by private insurers, they can provide benefits in addition to the standard benefits of Original Medicare (parts A and B).

This can include special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCIs). Read on to learn about these benefits, how you can qualify, and what they may cost.

Part C plans often offer extra benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers, such as vision, dental, or prescription drug coverage.

But, some Part C plans might offer additional benefits if you live with a chronic condition. These benefits are known as SSBCIs.

Thanks to the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act, Part C plans have the option of offering SSBCIs. That said, not every Part C plan will offer these benefits, and the specific benefits will depend on the plan you choose.

For example, some SSBCIs can include a preloaded debit card that you can use for things like nutritious groceries, nonmedical rides, and utilities. In addition, you may also get coverage for supportive services such as

  • meal prep
  • nonmedical transportation
  • therapy or counseling
  • pest control or air-quality equipment
  • home modifications and living-support items

These benefits are designed to support you as you navigate life with a chronic condition. For this reason, SSBCIs aren’t likely to cover things like:

  • cosmetic procedures
  • funeral costs
  • life insurance policies
  • anything related to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or foods that are not supportive of your health
  • other services or discounts that do not match your support needs

To qualify for SSBCIs through a Part C plan, you must live with one or more serious and complex health conditions that are life threatening or that significantly affect your overall health or ability to function.

You’ll also qualify if you are more likely to need hospital care or encounter serious health issues, or if you could benefit from help coordinating your medical care.

If your health condition fits these criteria, you can qualify for SSBCIs. For an idea of what conditions Medicare might consider chronic, you can take a look at the list of conditions that make someone eligible for a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP).

Keep in mind that both SSBCIs and C-SNPs are linked to Part C plans. However, SSBCIs refer to the specific benefits these plans might provide, while C-SNPs are specialized Part C plans for people with chronic illnesses. C-SNPs often include SSBCI benefits, but other types of Part C plans might offer them too.

Each Part C plan sets its own limits on how much money it will add to an SSBCI debit card and how it will reload it. Likewise, each plan decides its own limits on any other benefits it provides.

In general, how much you’ll pay for any Part C plan depends on the plan. Since private insurers manage these plans, the plans have different premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance rates.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.

Additionally, to maintain enrollment in a Part C plan, you’ll still need to pay the Part B premium. However, some Part C plans might cover this cost for you.

You can find Part C plans available in your area, including their benefits and costs, by visiting the Medicare.gov website. Before you enroll, make sure your chosen plan offers all the benefits you want and that you’re eligible for them.

Typically, you have to enroll in Part C directly with the plan’s insurer. Once you enroll, you automatically receive all the benefits your new plan offers.

But when you enroll depends on whether you’ve just become eligible for Medicare, if you’re looking to switch from another Part C plan, or if you want to switch from Original Medicare.

  1. Initial Enrollment Period: enroll in any Medicare plan starting 3 months before and ending 3 months after your birth month.
  2. Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7): change between Original Medicare and Part C, or switch Part C plans.
  3. General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31): enroll in Medicare if you missed the initial enrollment period
  4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31): switch Part C plans or return to Original Medicare
  5. Special Enrollment Period: the 8-month period from the end of coverage or employment to enroll without penalties in any plan if you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason

Medicare Advantage, known as Medicare Part C, consists of private insurance plans offering the same benefits as Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Parts A and B.

However, unlike Original Medicare, Part C plans are administered by private companies, allowing them to offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t include. In particular, the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act enhanced Part C plans by introducing SSBCIs. You may be eligible for these benefits if you live with a chronic condition.

Although providing these benefits isn’t obligatory for Part C plans, many plans do offer them. The available benefits and their costs differ based on the plan you choose.