Learning that your Medicare Advantage plan is ending can be stressful, but you don't have to navigate the change alone. You have options for maintaining your coverage. Reviewing your choices and enrolling in a new plan before your current coverage ends can help ensure a smooth transition.
If your plan is ending, you can generally enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, or, if eligible, choose Original Medicare with Medicare Supplement and Part D coverage. Your enrollment period will depend on why and when your plan is ending.
Why is my Medicare Advantage plan ending?
Medicare Advantage plans may end for several reasons, including:
- The insurance company decides not to renew the plan
- Medicare ends its contract with the plan
- The plan no longer serves your county or service area
- The plan changes its coverage offerings
- The insurance company exits the market
If your plan is ending, you will receive advance notice explaining what is changing, when your coverage ends and what enrollment options may be available to you.
Your coverage options
When your Medicare Advantage plan ends during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you have several options to continue your Medicare coverage. The best choice depends on your healthcare needs, prescription medications, preferred providers and budget. You can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, or, if eligible, choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan and Part D prescription drug coverage. If your plan ends outside of AEP, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to select new coverage. The enrollment period available to you will depend on why and when your plan is ending.
| If your plan is ending | Coverage option | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Another Medicare Advantage plan | Network, prescriptions, benefits, monthly costs |
| Option 2 | Original Medicare | Part A + Part B; consider separate Part D |
| Option 3 | Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement | Out-of-pocket coverage; eligibility; consider Part D |
Reviewing your options carefully can help ensure you have the coverage that best fits your needs for the coming year.
Next steps
1. Review your notice
Your insurance company will send a notice explaining:
- When your current coverage ends
- Why the plan is ending
- Any special enrollment rights you may have
2. Understand your enrollment window
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or be able to switch plans during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period.
3. Explore plans available in your area
Review the plans available in your area based on provider access, prescription drug coverage, costs and benefits.
4. Verify coverage
Confirm that your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals and prescription medications are covered by any plan you're considering.
5. Enroll before your deadline
Submitting your enrollment before your current plan terminates helps prevent interruptions in coverage and access to care.