Am J Manag Care. 2026 Apr 1;32(4):e133-e137. doi: 10.37765/ajmc.2026.89926.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) offerings and enrollment before and after permanent authorization in 2018.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive analysis.
METHODS: We analyzed publicly available monthly SNP Comprehensive Reports, comparing preauthorization (2010-2018) and postauthorization (2019-2025) periods. We calculated annual totals of D-SNPs and enrollees along with mean annual growth rates for both periods.
RESULTS: The mean annual growth rate of unique D-SNP offerings increased from 10.0% preauthorization to 16.2% post authorization. Enrollment of dually eligible beneficiaries increased from a mean annual growth rate of 0.3% preauthorization to 12.8% post authorization. D-SNP enrollment has steadily increased, more than doubling over the past 5 years. By January 2025, there were 986 D-SNPs with 6,030,665 dual enrollees, representing approximately 44% of total dual enrollees.
CONCLUSIONS: The significant acceleration in both D-SNP offerings and enrollment reflects notable changes in the D-SNP market following permanent authorization. As states transitioned plans into D-SNPs through 2025, these specialized Medicare Advantage plans are positioned to play an increasingly vital role in addressing the complex needs of Medicare-Medicaid dual enrollees.
PMID:42044401 | DOI:10.37765/ajmc.2026.89926
