If you work in the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP) space, this is either a helpful reminder—or big news. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is officially ending the Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) Demonstration at the end of this year across all 11 participating states.
Read the official CMS memo here →
This shift marks a significant moment in the DSNP market, and as an agent, you need to be ready.
Roughly 245,000 MMP members will be impacted in 2026. These beneficiaries were originally auto-enrolled into their MMPs—without agent involvement. As the MMP demonstration concludes, members will either be:
Crosswalked into another plan by their current carrier
Required to make a new DSNP enrollment choice during the 2026 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Either way, this means disruption—and opportunity. These individuals are about to re-enter the market for the first time in years, creating a major chance for agents to educate, support, and serve them with the right coverage.
Here’s where MMP is going away, along with how many members are currently enrolled:
| State | MMP Enrolled |
|---|---|
| Illinois (IL) | 75,378 |
| Ohio (OH) | 53,787 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 39,927 |
| Michigan (MI) | 34,072 |
| Texas (TX) | 15,408 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 10,858 |
| South Carolina (SC) | 7,990 |
| New York (NY) | 1,695 |
| Kentucky (KY) | 50 |
| Indiana (IN) | 46 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | 19 |
These members will need guidance navigating their new DSNP options—something only a knowledgeable, licensed agent can provide.
As you gear up for 2026 AEP, this is the time to:
Prepare for the influx of dual-eligible members.
Understand DSNP differences and value props to better educate and enroll this audience.
Develop outreach strategies for communities where auto-enrolled MMP members may not even know what DSNP options are available.
Emphasize local knowledge—each state’s market varies, and carriers may approach this transition differently.
This isn't just a compliance update—it’s one of the biggest DSNP opportunities we've seen in years. These 244,000+ dual-eligible members will need help making an informed decision during 2026 AEP. Agents who are prepared can make a meaningful impact—and build lasting relationships.
If you're serious about growth in the DSNP market, this is your signal to lean in.
Need support training agents or building a compliant DSNP sales strategy?
We’re here to help. Contact us today to start planning for the upcoming transition.