2027 D-SNP enrollment changes | AARP Medicare plans

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may see changes to how your health coverage works in the coming years. These changes are part of new federal requirements designed to improve coordination between your Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

The changes apply to all insurers, not just UnitedHealthcare, and may affect your Dual Special Needs plan (D-SNP) benefits and when you can sign up for or change your plan.

It’s important to understand how to get the most from your coverage, especially when things change. You can count on UnitedHealthcare to provide reliable information and support every step of the way. Our goal is to help simplify your experience and ensure you continue receiving the care and benefits you need.

Medicare and Medicaid plan integration requirements

New requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are changing how dual-eligible beneficiaries may enroll in D-SNPs in 2027. The requirements may also affect health plan providers. The goals of plan integration include:

Better coordination between doctors and care teams
Simpler member experiences
Easier access to benefits
Fewer administrative barriers
Improved health outcomes

How will the plan integration requirements affect D-SNP enrollment?

If you are shopping for a D-SNP, these Medicare and Medicaid plan integration requirements may affect the plans you can choose from and when you may be able to enroll.

The “aligned enrollment” requirement

Beginning in 2027, CMS is requiring greater alignment between certain Medicare D-SNPs and Medicaid plans. In some areas, individuals enrolling in a D-SNP may also need to be enrolled in an affiliated Medicaid plan offered by the same health plan company. This approach, known as “aligned enrollment,” is intended to simplify the care experience and improve health outcomes for members.

A new integrated Special Enrollment Period

Under the plan integration requirements beginning January 1, 2026, CMS has a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for certain full-benefit dual-eligible beneficiaries. Once per month, eligible individuals may enroll into certain integrated D-SNPs that coordinate Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

This enrollment opportunity is designed to help align Medicare and Medicaid coverage under the same health plan when available. Beneficiaries cannot enroll in or switch between non-D-SNP Medicare Advantage plans during this Special Enrollment Period.

In addition to the integrated SEP, beneficiaries can make plan decisions during their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) or other qualifying enrollment periods.

What does integration mean for you as a member?

For D-SNP members, integration means greater coordination of care between Medicare and Medicaid. Integrated D-SNPs simplify how members find information and get care. Plans will also issue only one member ID card, rather than separate cards for Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Depending on where you live, you may notice changes such as:

New plan options

Changes to plan names

Different ways your Medicare and Medicaid benefits are coordinated

Updated plan communications

New resources to help manage your care

Note that not every state is making the same changes, and timing will vary by state.

What to consider before you enroll

Before you enroll, we recommend reviewing your plan’s benefits to ensure they meet your health and financial needs. If you need to make a change, you can contact your health plan provider or speak with a local agent to learn about plans and coverage.

Browse plans, find providers and estimate your costs

Check if your doctors are in-network and get an estimate of your prescription drug costs based on the medications you take.

Browse Dual Special Needs plans

A UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete or Dual Advantage plan helps you get more of the extras you want, along with what you will receive from Medicaid.

Browse plans

Contact your state Medicaid agency about eligibility

You may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid based on your health and income level.

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Find a provider

Look for doctors, specialists, or hospitals in our network as you compare plans.

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Estimate your prescription drug costs

List the medications you take, then estimate drug costs for a specific plan.

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Find the right Medicare plan for all your plans
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Frequently asked questions about UnitedHealthcare
Dual Special Needs plan integration

Federal requirements are changing how Medicare and Medicaid plans work together. If you qualify for both programs, you may receive updates about your coverage or available plan options.

Most members will continue receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits. If changes affect your plan, you’ll receive information explaining what’s changing, your options and any steps you may need to take.

Many members do not need to take action right away. If your plan changes, we’ll let you know what’s changing, explain your options, and tell you if you need to take any action.