Is Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ending in 2027? Here's What You Need to Know
Michelle Van Nostrand | Oct 08 2026 17:53
Major health insurance companies are reducing or discontinuing certain Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. These changes may affect beneficiaries who need to find new coverage for the upcoming year.
If you've received a notice that your Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be available, it's important to understand your options and take action before your coverage changes.
Why Are Medicare Advantage Plans Being Discontinued?
Several major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and others, are reducing their Medicare Advantage offerings in certain areas for 2027.
These changes are being driven by rising healthcare costs, increased medical service usage, and changes in Medicare reimbursement.
Although many Medicare Advantage plans will remain available, your current plan may not be offered next year.
What Should You Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Ending?
1. Review Your Plan Notices
Check any Annual Notice of Change or non-renewal notice you receive from your insurance company. These documents explain whether your plan is changing or ending.
2. Compare Your Coverage Options
You may be able to enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan available in your area. Compare premiums, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Consider Original Medicare and Medigap
If your Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued, you may have the option to return to Original Medicare and purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for special protections called Guaranteed Issue Rights .
Understanding Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights
Guaranteed Issue Rights are protections under federal law that allow eligible individuals to purchase certain Medigap policies without being denied coverage because of their health conditions.
If your Medicare Advantage plan stops providing coverage in your area or leaves Medicare, you may qualify for these rights.
This means an insurance company generally cannot deny you an eligible Medigap policy or charge you more because of existing health conditions.
Important: Don't Miss Your Medigap Enrollment Deadline
In qualifying situations, you generally have until 63 calendar days after your Medicare Advantage coverage ends to apply for a Medigap policy using your Guaranteed Issue Rights. You may also be able to apply before your existing coverage ends.
Keep copies of your insurance company's letters, termination notices, emails, and other relevant documents. These may be required to demonstrate your eligibility for Guaranteed Issue Rights.
Eligibility, available Medigap plans, and enrollment timelines depend on your specific circumstances and applicable state laws.
Important Medicare Enrollment Dates
October 15 – December 7, 2026: Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, when eligible beneficiaries can review and change coverage for 2027.
January 1, 2027: New annual coverage generally begins.
If your plan is ending, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Be sure to confirm your individual deadlines.
We're Here to Help You Understand Your Options
Changes to Medicare coverage can be confusing, but you don't have to navigate them alone.
Advantage Insurance Benefits can help you review available Medicare coverage options, understand possible Medigap eligibility, and make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Contact Advantage Insurance Benefits today to discuss your Medicare coverage options for 2027.
Sources and Additional Information
- ConsumerAffairs: Major Insurers Are Cutting Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027
- Medicare.gov: Can I Change My Medigap Policy?
This article is for informational purposes only. Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights depend on individual eligibility and applicable federal and state requirements. Consult Medicare or a licensed insurance professional for guidance specific to your situation.