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Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Changes: What Providers Need to Know

10/01/2026

Beginning January 1, 2027, CMS is implementing new Medicare-Medicaid alignment requirements that will increase coordination between programs for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Starting in January:

  • Applicable non-EAE (Exclusively Aligned Enrollment) D-SNPs may only accept new enrollment from people enrolled in, or in the process of enrolling in, the affiliated Medicaid MCO.
  • This applies where the D-SNP and affiliated Medicaid MCO operate in the same or overlapping service area.
  • Existing unaligned members may remain enrolled through 2030.

Wellcare is well-positioned to support you through these changes. Through our longstanding focus on serving dual-eligible populations and helping connect members to the care and services they need, we understand the importance of coordinated, whole-person care. 

Start Exploring the Resources Available to You

While implementation will occur over a few years, you can begin familiarizing yourself with the evolving alignment landscape and the different integrated plan models you may encounter.

To help you prepare, we have developed a collection of educational resources that explain alignment requirements, integrated plan models, and considerations across various care settings.

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Y0020_WCM_7577750_M / H9916_WCM 178009E_M Last Updated On: 10/1/2026