If you recently received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or a letter from your Medicare Advantage provider, you may have been surprised to learn that your current plan won’t be available next year. Whether you discovered the news through a notice in the mail, a call from your insurer, or while reviewing your plan during plan during a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, finding out your Medicare Advantage plan is being cancelled can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering what this means for your healthcare coverage, how long you have to act, and what your options are moving forward.
The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are clear steps you can take to ensure continuous coverage and avoid any gaps in care. Medicare Advantage plans can be discontinued for various reasons, such as low enrollment, changes in provider networks, or shifts in insurer strategy, but that doesn’t leave you without choices. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to do if your plan is being cancelled, what alternative coverage options are available, and how to make the most of your Special Enrollment Period so you can confidently select a new plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Your Options After a Plan Cancellation
It’s important to understand that Medicare Advantage (MA) plan cancellations are allowed under federal law. Insurers can choose to discontinue a plan for reasons such as low enrollment, changes in provider networks, or shifts in business focus. The good news is that when a plan is terminated, you’re granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which is a limited window of time in which eligible beneficiaries can compare available coverage options and find a new plan without penalty. Below are the main options available to you if your Medicare Advantage plan is canceled:
Enroll in a New Medicare Advantage Plan
If you like the structure of a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re eligible during your SEP to shop for and enroll in a different MA plan available to you in your area. During your SEP, you have the opportunity to compare benefits, provider networks, drug formularies, and out-of-pocket costs to find a plan that fits your healthcare needs.
Switch Back to Original Medicare
If you decide Medicare Advantage no longer works for you, you can return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare gives you the flexibility to see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide, without being limited to a plan’s network.
Enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
If you switch back to Original Medicare, and your former MA plan included drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan to avoid gaps in prescription drug coverage. An SEP allows you the opportunity to compare and choose from the Part D plans available in your region. It’s a good idea to compare plans based on the medications you take and participating pharmacies.
Consider a Medigap Plan
If you return to Original Medicare and need help covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance, you may be eligible to enroll in a Medigap policy. However, availability and pricing can vary, and in some cases, you may be subject to medical underwriting. That said, in some states or under certain circumstances (like plan termination), you may qualify for guaranteed issue rights, making it easier to access a Medigap policy without a health screening.
What to Think About When Choosing a New Plan
When working with a licensed insurance agent to compare and select a new Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach. Here are key factors to consider before making your decision:
Provider Network: Make sure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the plan’s network.
Prescription Drug Coverage: Review the plan’s formulary to ensure your medications are covered and affordable.
Monthly Premiums: Compare the monthly costs of different plans—some may offer $0 premiums, but still include copays or deductibles.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Check for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Look at the plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum as well.
Additional Benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additionals like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, or transportation services.
Star Ratings: Medicare assigns star ratings (1 to 5) to plans based on quality and performance. Higher-rated plans often mean better service and satisfaction.
Travel Needs: If you travel frequently or spend part of the year in another state, consider how coverage works outside your home area.
Customer Service: Read reviews or ask about the insurer’s responsiveness and support services.
Our licensed insurance agents at SelectQuote are here to make the process easier by guiding you through each of these considerations. From checking provider networks to reviewing drug formularies and comparing out-of-pocket costs, our team does the legwork for you, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Where to Get Help Comparing Plans
Navigating your options can feel overwhelming, but help is available:
Licensed Insurance Agents: At SelectQuote, our licensed insurance agents will take the time to understand your healthcare needs, compare the Medicare Advantage plans available in your area, help you understand your options and benefits included, and help you enroll in a new plan that fits your needs.
Medicare.gov: Use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans side-by-side.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers free, unbiased counseling from trained advisors in your area.
1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048): Call for personalized support and answers to your Medicare questions. Hours are 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Important Deadlines to Remember
When your Medicare Advantage plan is canceled, you’re granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to choose new coverage, but that window doesn’t stay open indefinitely. Most often, the SEP for a change like this will begin on December 8 (the day after the Annual Enrollment Period ends) and lasts for two months.
However, if you received a plan termination notice earlier in the year, your SEP may begin sooner, ensuring you have time to find a new Medicare Advantage plan without risking not having coverage.
Additionally, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)—which runs from October 15 to December 7—is still a great time to compare and switch plans proactively each year. Missing these deadlines could result in a gap in coverage or limited plan choices.
What happens if you don’t pick a new plan?
If you don’t select a new Medicare Advantage plan before your Special Enrollment Period ends, you’ll likely be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). While this ensures you’ll still have basic coverage, you may lose benefits you previously had under your Medicare Advantage plan, such as drug coverage, routine dental, or routine vision. You could also face higher out-of-pocket costs without supplemental protection like Medigap or Part D. To avoid surprises and coverage gaps, it’s crucial to act within your enrollment window and make a plan selection that works for your needs.
Review Your Coverage Options with The Medicare Helpline
Losing your Medicare Advantage plan can feel unexpected, but it doesn’t have to leave you without options. By understanding your rights, exploring available coverage, and acting within your Special Enrollment Period, you can transition smoothly to a new Medicare Advantage plan that meets your healthcare and financial needs.
At The Medicare Helpline, we’re here to make the process easier. Our licensed insurance agents can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans, check your provider and prescription coverage options available in your area, and guide you step-by-step through a free, no-obligation plan review.
We represent Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug and Prescription Drug Plans for Humana, UnitedHealthcare®, Aetna, Cigna, Wellcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Anthem, Devoted Health, Kaiser Permanente, Zing Health, Oscar Health, and Clear Spring Health.
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