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medicare Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans

Special Needs Plans: The Fastest-Growing Part of Medicare Advantage

Special Needs Plans, known as SNPs, are now driving the majority of Medicare Advantage enrollment growth as they serve beneficiaries with specific health conditions, institutional care needs, or dual Medicare-Medicaid eligibility.

Three types of SNPs are available: Chronic Condition SNPs for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, Institutional SNPs for nursing home residents, and Dual Eligible SNPs for those on both Medicare and Medicaid.

These plans tailor provider networks, drug formularies, and care coordination to the specific needs of their members, often including benefits traditional Medicare Advantage plans do not offer.

Beneficiaries who qualify for an SNP can enroll at any time during the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period, making them an important option for those with changing health needs.

Learn more about SNPs from CMS.

Categories
Market Trends Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Growth Slows Dramatically in 2026

Growth in Medicare Advantage is slowing sharply to just 3.2 percent, with niche Special Needs Plans now driving 83 percent of new enrollments. (Source: MarketWatch)

Key Takeaways

  • Growth dropped to 3.2 percent from 7 to 10 percent annually
  • Special Needs Plans drive 83 percent of new enrollment
  • Traditional Medicare Advantage reaching saturation

Source: MarketWatch