Is My Medicare Advantage Plan Ending Next Year? What to Do If You Got a Letter

You may have seen the news: a large insurance company is ending some of its Medicare plans next year. If you're wondering whether yours is one of them, here's how to find out and what to do next.

The short answer

If your Medicare plan is ending, your insurance company must send you a letter. It usually arrives in October. If you got one, you have time to choose a new plan, and a licensed insurance agent can help you review options at no cost to you.

Why so many people are asking

This fall, a large insurance company announced it will stop offering some Medicare Advantage plans in 2027. The company said about 600,000 members are affected (source: Becker's Payer Issues). That sounds like a lot, and it is, but it's a small share of all the people that company covers. Most members will keep their plan.

Still, if you heard the news, it's worth checking. Here's how.

How to know if your plan is ending

1. Look for a letter from your plan. A plan that is ending must send you a written notice, usually in October. It may say "plan non-renewal" or "your plan is leaving Medicare."
2. Read your Annual Notice of Change. Every member gets one by the end of September. It lists what changes next year. If your plan is ending, it will say so.
3. Call your plan or a licensed agent. If you aren't sure, call the Member Services number on the back of your card, or call us. We can check with your plan name and member ID.

What happens if your plan ends and you do nothing

If you don't pick a new plan, you'll usually go back to Original Medicare on January 1. That may mean:

• no prescription drug coverage unless you join a separate drug plan;
• different costs when you see your Doctors.

That's why it's better to choose before the end of the year.

What you can do now

• Use the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to review plans and pick one that starts January 1.
• Make a list of your Doctors and medications, and keep your Medicare card at hand.
• Ask for help. A licensed insurance agent can review the plans available in your ZIP code, check that your Doctors are in the network and that your medications are covered.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Medicare plan is ending in 2027?
Your plan must send you a letter, usually in October. You can also check your Annual Notice of Change or call Member Services.

Will I lose my Medicare if my plan ends?
No. You still have Medicare. Only that specific plan is ending. You can choose another plan, or you'll go back to Original Medicare.

When can I choose a new plan if mine is ending?
During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7. People whose plan is ending may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period with extra time to choose.

Will my Doctors still be covered?
It depends on the new plan you choose. Before you enroll, check that your Doctors are in the plan's network.

What if I also have Medi-Cal?
Your Medi-Cal coverage continues. A licensed insurance agent can help you find a plan that works with both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Does it cost anything to talk to a licensed insurance agent?
No. There is no cost to you to talk with us or to review plans.

Have a question about your plan?

Call Steven Rukhman at (818) 438-0796 (TTY 711), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or book an annual review.

Steven Rukhman, Licensed Insurance Broker · CA License #0K08450 · SRB Insurance Services, Los Angeles County & Beyond

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 87 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.