The SNP Shift: Where Carriers Are Putting Their Money for 2027
If you want to know where carriers are investing for 2027, follow the SNPs..
While plenty of general MA plans are getting cut, SNP portfolios are growing. Especially C-SNPs. That's a real opportunity for agents who do this work the right way.
C-SNPs are the Growth Story
The numbers are pretty clear.
Devoted Health is more than doubling its C-SNPs, from 122 to 255.
UnitedHealthcare says its C-SNPs reach about 48mm Medicare eligibles, up 2mm year over year. Conditions include diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic heart failure.
Humana expanded C-SNPs into Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin.
Elevance's C-SNPs combine condition-specific medical and Rx coverage, coordinated care and supplemental benefits like dental, vision, transportation, healthy foods and OTC.
What that means for you. If you have clients with qualifying chronic conditions, a lot of them will have more C-SNP choices to look at in 2027.
D-SNPs are Changing Shape
D-SNPs are more of a mixed bag.
Wellcare says dual eligibles are about 40% of its MA membership. D-SNPs make up about 50% of its 2027 MA offerings as states push Medicare-Medicaid alignment.
UHC is pulling back on reach. Its D-SNPs will reach about 74% of dual eligibles, down from about 80% in 2026.
There are also new D-SNP integration requirements in 2027. That adds complexity for carriers, and it rolls downhill to you.
Some carriers are staying in MA only through SNPs. Molina, Horizon BCBS NJ, Elderplan and Presbyterian will remain in MA only through SNPs next year.
What the D-SNP Changes Mean for You
Expect D-SNP options to look different in some of your markets. Plans may change structure. Carriers may shift. Some duals may land in a different plan than they had.
Don't assume what you knew about D-SNPs last year still holds. Check each plan's 2027 details. Check how it works with your state's Medicaid program.
If you're unsure, ask the carrier or ask us before you enroll anybody.
The Benefits are Part of the Conversation
SNP plans usually carry richer extras. A few from the carriers' 2027 announcements:
UHC's enhanced UCard covers benefits and rewards, with Mastercard functionality for qualifying D-SNP utility payments. It's accepted at more than 70k retailers for eligible OTC, healthy food and other essentials.
Elevance's D-SNP benefits may include Rx, transportation, dental, vision, hearing and Everyday Options Allowances.
Wellcare offers Spendables for eligible OTC, dental, vision and hearing expenses, plus non-emergency transportation.
Those benefits matter to these clients. Describe them accurately. Use "may" and "eligible" when the plan language does.
And never imply somebody gets a benefit before you've confirmed they qualify.
This Market Demands More Care
SNP clients are some of the most vulnerable people you'll ever serve. Many are on tight budgets. Many are managing serious conditions. Some struggle with paperwork or tech.
So the bar is higher..
Verify eligibility every time. Confirm Medicaid status for D-SNPs. Confirm the qualifying condition for C-SNPs the way the carrier requires it. Don't guess.
Slow down. Explain how the plan works with Medicaid. Explain care coordination. Make sure they understand what's changing for them and why.
Stay compliant. Follow every rule. Document everything. Never push a SNP just because it's the hot product this year.
Follow up. A SNP client who gets a call from you after enrollment is a client who stays. And they talk to their friends and family.
A lot of the best local agents we work with are already doing this. Chronic verifications, Medicaid questions, claims help.. The unpaid work that keeps a client for life.
Getting Set Up
If SNPs aren't part of your business today, 2027 is a good year to start.
Make sure you're appointed and certified with the carriers offering SNPs in your area. Learn the C-SNP conditions they cover. Learn your state's D-SNP rules.
Then look at your current book. You may already have clients with diabetes, heart disease or Medicaid who'd be a better fit in a SNP. Review them one at a time, with their needs first.
Do it right and this becomes one of the steadiest parts of your business.
We help our agents get appointed and trained on SNP products. If you're ready to grow in this market, talk to us at BROCK.
Industry Insight
While many carriers are shrinking general Medicare Advantage offerings, SNPs continue to attract investment because they're built around specific populations with more predictable healthcare needs and more coordinated care models. Carriers increasingly want targeted populations, tighter provider management, and greater control over outcomes and costs. That's one reason C-SNP growth has significantly outpaced PPO growth heading into 2027.
The takeaway for agents is simple: while the broader Medicare Advantage market is becoming more selective, SNPs remain one of the few areas where carriers continue expanding. Understanding eligibility, compliance requirements, and client needs may become more valuable than ever during AEP 2027.
Stay Ahead of the Changes
This year's carrier movements are only part of the story.
If you want more than headlines and carrier announcements, join us throughout the week:
Monday Medicare Market
Join Justin Brock and Andrew Saul live every Monday as they discuss:
2027 Medicare changes
Carrier exits
Service Area Reductions
Industry trends
Tuesday GPS Training
Learn how to identify the right opportunities and naviagte client conversations using Brock's GPS framework. The GPS process focuses on Medicare knowledge, health history, budge discussions, coverage reviews, and retirement conversations.
Wednesday Selling HDG to a SAR
Strategies for helping clients impacted by Service Area Reductions and evaluating High-Deductible Plan G opportunities.
Thursday Product + Carrier Highlights
A deeper dive into carrier opportunities and product positioning.
