Delaware D-SNP Updates: 2026 Alignment Requirements
Published: 02.10.2026
As of January 1, 2026, Delaware is requiring all Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) to be “exclusively aligned”. This means that Medicare and Medicaid benefits will need to be aligned and managed under the same plan for dual-eligible policyholders.
Carrier Availability
D-SNPs operating in the Delaware market who were not awarded a Medicaid MCO (Managed Care Organization) contract by the State include: Aetna, Cigna, and United. Any individuals enrolled with these carriers should have selected a new plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15, 2025 – December 7, 2025).Beginning in January 2026, only these D-SNP plans will be available in Delaware:
- AmeriHealth VIP Care
- Delaware First Health (Wellcare)
- Highmark Health Options Duals
Integrated Care Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Starting January 1, 2025, an Integrated Care Special Enrollment Period was put in place to allow full-benefit dual eligibles to elect an integrated D-SNP in any month to align coverage with Medicaid managed care.If you have clients that have a D-SNP not currently aligned with their Medicaid MCO, they may have an opportunity under the Integrated Care SEP to switch any month to align coverage.
Broker Takeaways
- Review your book of business for Delaware members on non-aligned plans (especially former Aetna, Cigna or UHC D-SNP members).
- Use the SEP to transition them to an integrated plan immediately.
- Medicaid will follow the DSNP choice—no separate Medicaid enrollment required.
