Spring Roundtable 2026

Defining the Critical Role of Special Needs Plans

Growing Demand with High Quality Services

April 16th & 17th, 2026

As CMS, the Hill and federal commissions continue to examine Medicare Advantage policy, and CMMI launches new demonstrations, the SNP Alliance must ensure SNPs continue to be viewed as high valuable approaches to complex care as well as to define SNP uniqueness. The SNP Alliance also must aid its members in navigating State Medicaid Agencies’ tight budgets and complex operating environments. SNPs already are well-positioned and unique because of their time-tested, core requirement for a tailored Model of Care and the underlying components. Every day, thousands of SNPs meet the needs of an increasingly complex number of older Medicare beneficiaries as well as under age 65 persons with disabilities. They also provide person-centered experiences through benefit design and clinical models.

During the April 16-17 members-only meeting, the membership will hear from CMS officials and experts in complex chronic care about policy and practices strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during day one. Each panel will conclude with a concrete set of action steps for plans and SNP Alliance policy development as well as advocacy.

During the second day, April 17, based upon the expert panels, the membership will develop, or refine, SNP Alliance policy and strategy as well as identify needed technical assistance resources. The discussion will focus upon expanding SNP Request of Information responses, broad positioning strategies with CMS divisions, as well as CMMI, and proactively addressing unfolding Congressional policy discussions.

Meeting & Hotel Location:

Yours Truly DC: 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20037.

Please use the links below to register for the meeting and for hotel reservations. Please note the hotel booking deadline is March 31st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sam Amaya at samaya@snpalliance.org.


Spring Roundtable Working Agenda
Thursday, April 16th
Breakfast & Networking 7:30 - 8:15 (Room 7)
TOPIC	TIME	LOCATION
MA/SNP Policy Direction – CMS and Congress Based on the most recent CMS data, SNPs enrollment has grown from 5 million to 7.4 million making up close to 25% of all MA enrollment. SNPs enrollment all is complex with higher cost. And, there are challenges with SNP quality measurement. Specifically, CMS quality ratings are designed broadly for all MA, not SNPs. Such higher costs and lack of clear quality information presents risks for scrutiny as MA reform discussions unfold and Congress, as well as MedPAC, examine the status of the Medicare Trust Fund. CMS also may raise questions about MOC of care implementation and other compliance issues while CMMI considers alterative chronic condition approaches as well as MA demonstrations. These environmental factors make it critical SNPs demonstrate tangible outcomes and quality which presents a challenge due to the long standing Quality Rating system. This panel will provide an overview of trends in CMS policy and priorities as well as Congress’ evolving focus. Learning Objectives Understand CMS Policy Trends and Goals including CMMI Demos *Hear about Hill Discussions and Outlook* *Provide Input on SNP Alliance Priorities Base Upon Presenter Comments*	8:15 – 9:00	Room 9
Care Coordination Models of Care and Tie to Quality Indicators With brief remarks from SNP-specific subject matter experts (C-SNP, I-SNP, and D-SNP) on best practices in their Model of Care approaches, we will discuss how each unique care coordination approach can demonstrate high quality performance. We will also highlight common themes, strategies, and issues that SNPs face. Learning Objectives Understand the enhanced approach in the SNP’s care coordination model of care *Identify a few measures/indicators for each special population that could be markers to measure outcomes* *Describe implications – what this means for advocacy, practice, and work with measure-developers for the SNP Alliance and its member health plans*	9:00 – 10:00	Room 9
Future of Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment and Implications for SNPs This session will include a more in-depth discussion of the Request for Information questions included in the CMS RFI. Topics to be covered include an encounter data-based model, an inferred risk model, and other modeling approaches (e.g., machine learning). The goal of the session will be to help member plans understand potential future changes in risk adjustment and how best to contribute meaningfully to future risk adjustment model development based upon member-established policy. Learning Objectives *Understand what CMS is signaling with RFI questions on risk adjustment Hear about current and future research on Medicare risk adjustment* *Provide input and feedback for SNP Alliance for CMS engagemen*t	10:00 – 10:45	Room 9
Break & Networking 10:45 – 11:00 (Room 7)
Special Needs Plans - Best Practice in Beneficiary Engagement The CMS Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement (OPOLE) oversees customer service and account management duties as they relate to marketing materials and plan oversight. OPOLE also offers practical marketing material insight into special needs plans based on review experience and collaborates closely with the Center for Medicare to drive results from health plans and protect beneficiaries. During this session, CMS officials will provide insights on opportunities to improve beneficiary SNP services based upon beneficiary input to CMS, best practice in SNP marketing and messaging to potential SNP enrollees. Learning Objectives *Understand key beneficiary perspectives on SNPs and areas for improvement* *Hear about marketing requirements and best practice for engaging with potential SNP enrollees* *Learn about relevant marketing requirements for SNP applications and some examples of materials that pass and do not pass the review*	11:00 – 11:45	Room 9
States and Integration: D-SNPs in Relation to Medicaid Managed Care for 2027 and Beyond In the Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage Final Rule, CMS finalized a proposal that beginning in 2027 enrollment into D-SNPs would be limited to those dual eligible individuals that the D-SNP serves in its Medicaid managed care product service area; and in 2030, all enrollments would be limited to dual eligible individuals that the D-SNP serves under its Medicaid managed care product while unaligned members will be disenrolled. For this session, staff from the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office will provide an update on how preparation for these new rules are proceeding and other areas of note that the office is focused on for 2026 and 2027. Participants should come prepared with questions regarding the implementation of the enrollment rule and are welcome to share their experience working with states on preparing for the forthcoming requirement. Learning Objectives *Receive update of CMS efforts around implementation of 2027 and 2030 enrollment rules.* *Learn about other areas of focus that the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office is focused on for the rest of 2026 and 2027.* *Provide Input on SNP Alliance Priorities Base Upon Presenter Comments*	11:45 – 12:45	Room 9
*Lunch & Member Networking 12:45 - 1:45 (Room 7)*
The Future of Institutional Special Needs Plans — Reimagining Care for a Changing Population As America's aging population grows more complex, Institutional Special Needs Plans (ISNPs) stand as a key solution. This dynamic session explores where ISNPs are today and charts where they need to go. Leveraging their unique, embedded clinical model, ISNPs are uniquely positioned to transform outcomes for frail and medically complex residents. But to fulfill that potential, we must examine how ISNPs operate, how they are regulated, and how they are resourced. Join us for a candid, forward-looking conversation that examines the shifting demographics driving urgency for change, the policy and regulatory landscape shaping what's possible, and the strategic strengths ISNPs must harness to not just survive but thrive. Together, we'll identify a shared vision and the concrete, actionable steps needed to lead the next era of person-centered, high-acuity care. Learning Objectives Understand the current state of ISNPs including their clinical model's distinct advantages, existing gaps, and the evolving needs of the frail populations they serve to identify where the greatest opportunities for impact exist today. *Learn about policy, regulatory, and operational shifts required to keep ISNPs relevant and effective as the demographics and care complexity of institutionalized populations continue to change.* Provide input on strategic framework for the future of I-SNPs by applying a SWOT analysis to articulate a compelling vision and define tangible next steps that position ISNPs to lead in value-based, person-centered care.	1:45 – 2:45	Room 9
Positioning CSNPs for Success Under the CY 2027 Final Rule The CY 2027 Parts C and DFinal Rule introduces targeted but consequential changes for Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (CSNPs), with direct implications for plan strategy, operational readiness, and market performance. These updates signal a continued shift toward accountability for chronic care outcomes, stronger expectations for condition specific expertise, and heightened scrutiny on C-SNPs. This session distills the rule into the strategic decisions leaders must make now—spanning network design, care management infrastructure, data and reporting capabilities, and member experience investments. Participants will gain clarity on where the rule creates risk exposure, where it opens opportunities for differentiation, and how to align enterprise level planning to ensure compliance, quality performance, and sustainable growth in the CSNP market. Learning Objectives *Identify the strategic implications of CY 2027 Final Rule provisions for CSNP market positioning and enterprise risk.* *Assess how new requirements influence CSNP provider network composition, clinical expertise standards, and access expectations.* *Provide Input on SNP Alliance Priorities Base Upon Presenter Comments*	2:45 – 3:45	Room 9
Problem Solving: A Business Partner Perspective In this interactive session, SNP Alliance business partners will share how their solutions are helping plans navigate current constraints and prepare for future challenges. Rather than a traditional pitch, this session is designed to foster real-time dialogue—giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and hear how partners are aligning their services to meet the evolving needs of SNPs.	3:45 – 4:15	Room 9
Reception 4:30 - 5:30 (Room 7 & 8)

Friday, April 17th
Breakfast & Networking 7:30 - 8:30 (Room 7)
AI and Chronic Condition Management AI is transforming the management of chronic conditions by offering personalized decision support, continuous monitoring, risk prediction, and conversational agents that provide education, adherence support, reminders, behavioral coaching, and mental health support. AI-enabled mobile health platforms also connect patients with clinicians and coordinate care. However, challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, interoperability, and insufficient high-quality evidence on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed to fully realize AI's potential in improving chronic disease outcomes. During this session, participants will hear from member experts about meaningful use of AI in SNPs and explore possible SNP Alliance lines of technical support as well as advocacy. From a legal perspective, the panel also will discuss current CMS requirements and probable next steps with CMS increasing focus on use of AI and information technology. Learning Objectives *Understand AI and Cutting Edge IT in Chronic Condition Management* Learn about SNP Use of Such Technology *Understand Legal View of CMS Requirements and Probable Outlook* *Provide input on SNP Alliance member supports – technical support and advocacy*	8:30 - 9:15	Room 9
Optimizing Care Coordination – Opportunities For Technology Innovations The rapid expansion of Special Needs Plans (SNPs) underscores the operational challenge of managing highly complex populations while meeting rigorous, resource-intensive CMS requirements for care coordination and Model of Care (MOC) implementation. With increased scrutiny and evolving audit protocols, relying on manual, fragmented processes to execute Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) and Interdisciplinary Care Team (ICT) engagement is no longer sustainable. To deliver tangible outcomes, maintain strict compliance, and reduce clinical burnout, plans must integrate advanced technologies like predictive analytics, AI-driven workflow automation, and seamless interoperability platforms. In this session, we will explore practical strategies for leveraging these innovations to bridge the execution gap, alleviate documentation burdens, and optimize workflows to drive measurable quality improvements. Learning Objectives *Learn about current landscape of CMS compliance and audit trends, focusing on the operational challenges of MOC execution and care coordination at scale.* *Understand practical applications for emerging technologies—such as predictive modeling and workflow automation—to streamline HRAs, ICT communication, and care transitions.* *Understand strategies for implementing tech-enabled care models that reduce administrative burnout and transition clinical teams from reactive tasks to proactive, whole-person care.* *Provide Input on SNP Alliance Priorities Base Upon Presenter Comments*	9:15 - 10:00	Room 9
Break & Networking 10:00 - 10:15 (Room 7)
MedPAC – Special Needs Plans Current Perspectives and Lines of Inquiry Based on the most recent CMS data, SNP enrollment has grown from 5 million to 7.4 million, comprising close to 25% of all MA enrollment. SNP enrollees all require complex care management and have higher costs of care including care management. In regard to assessing SNP effectiveness, there are challenges with SNP quality measurement. Specifically, CMS quality ratings are designed broadly for all MA, not SNPs. For example, SNP Model of Care elements are not directly tied to quality. Therefore, policymakers are unable to assess the impacts of Models of Care. Such higher costs and lack of clear quality information present risks for scrutiny as MA reform discussions unfold and federal officials exercise their responsibilities for managing the Medicare Trust Fund. *Hear about MedPAC priority findings on SNPs, to-date (D-SNP, C-SNP, I-SNP)* *Learn about MedPAC lines of inquiry* *Understand what SNPs and SNP Alliance could do to serve as a resource to MedPAC*	10:15 - 11:00	Room 9
Strategic Planning Discussion Over the course of the Spring Meeting, SNP Alliance members will have heard about an array of top tier policy and practice priorities and lines of CMS and other federal efforts. During this closing session, SNP Alliance members, only, will engage in a discussion about what should be SNP Alliance top tier priorities in best practice resources and advocacy. During this closing session, three member representatives will speak about their views on key developing CMS and Hill efforts. A SNP Alliance staff facilitator will broaden the discussion and solicit input from the membership on these and other topics the SNP Alliance should ensure it is addressing.	11:00 - 12:00	Room 9
Closing Comments from Board Chair and CEO	12:00 - 12:15	Room 9

Thank You To Our 2026 Spring Roundtable Sponsors!

Defining the Critical Role of Special Needs Plans

Growing Demand with High Quality Services

April 16th & 17th, 2026

Meeting & Hotel Location:

Yours Truly DC: 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20037.

Please use the links below to register for the meeting and for hotel reservations. Please note the hotel booking deadline is March 31st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sam Amaya at samaya@snpalliance.org.

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