Integrating Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan Materials to Promote Enrollee Understanding of and Access to Benefits
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that operate with exclusively aligned enrollment and cover Medicaid benefits through the D-SNP or an affiliated Medicaid managed care plan – classified as applicable integrated plans (AIPs) – can provide their enrollees with a single set of fully integrated materials that describe both the Medicare and Medicaid benefits covered by the D-SNP (and its affiliated Medicaid plan, when applicable).
To operate in a state, a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan(D-SNP) must hold a contract with the state Medicaid agency. Those state Medicaid agency contracts (SMACs) must all have at least certain minimum elements, and states can also add additional requirements that aim to further coordination or integration of Medicare and Medicaid benefits for D-SNP enrollees.
No later than April 6, 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CMS releases final announcement of CY2027 MA capitation rates and Part C and D payment policies
April 9, 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CMS releases guidance for D-SNP look-alikes about CY2027 transitions and plan-submitted rollover (POVER) transactions.
April 10, 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CMS releases the Plan Creation Module, Plan Benefit Package (PBP) module, and Bid Pricing Tool software in HPMS. Organizations interested in offering an MA or Part D product in CY2027 must submit a PBP.
April 27, 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CY2025 Part C and D Reporting Requirements deadline for D-SNP Transmission of Admission Notification and Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
May - July 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CMS releases the integrated Member ID card template for states that will have Applicable Integrated Plan (AIP) D-SNPs in CY2027, as well as model materials for certain states that choose to develop state-specific models with CMS for certain AIP materials.