Special Needs Plan Alliance adds three members as SNPs grow in Medicare Advantage

The Special Needs Plan Alliance has added Texas Independence Health Plan, Clever Care Health Plan and Humana as members, expanding its reach across provider-led, regional and national plans. The group says the additions strengthen its ability to represent SNPs as they account for 37% of Medicare Advantage.

Why it matters: - The Special Needs Plan Alliance now says it represents 95% of the Special Needs Plan market. - The expansion gives the Alliance broader input with state and federal partners as Special Needs Plans take up a larger share of Medicare Advantage. - SNPs now make up 37% of Medicare Advantage, based on recent data cited by the Alliance.

What happened: - The Alliance added three new members: Texas Independence Health Plan, Clever Care Health Plan and Humana. - Texas Independence Health Plan is a provider-led I-SNP. - Clever Care Health Plan is a regional C-SNP. - Humana is a national insurer with multiple Special Needs Plan offerings. - Michael Cheek, president and CEO of the Alliance, said the organization is thrilled to welcome the new members.

The details: - The new members reflect the Alliance's goal of representing all SNP types, organizational sizes and structures. - The Alliance said the additions strengthen its ability to provide meaningful input on policy and program issues affecting SNPs. - Cheek said the Alliance has a fourth regional plan poised to join. - The Alliance describes itself as the only organization exclusively representing SNPs. - The Alliance says its mission is to improve the health and well-being of people with significant, complex needs through specialized managed care. - Contact for more information: Sam Amaya, associate director for member services, at samaya@snpalliance.org. - The Alliance links to its social media presence on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The mix of new members suggests the Alliance is trying to widen its credibility across different plan types, from provider-led to national insurers. - A larger membership base can increase the Alliance's influence as Medicare Advantage continues to shift toward SNPs. - The claim that the Alliance represents 95% of the SNP space is a sign of consolidation around one advocacy group, at least within this niche.

What's next: - The Alliance expects at least one more regional plan to join. - More membership growth could further expand the Alliance's policy reach as SNP enrollment rises.