Every year brings new challenges to Medicare plans, but when you get the letter when your plan is not renewing that can be scary—Rest assured that Cunningham Insurance is here to help.
First: Don’t Ignore the Notice
If you receive a notice that your Medicare Advantage or Medicare plan is ending or not being renewed next year, it is very important that you keep the notice. The notice is your ticket to special privileges when it comes to choosing other options.
The choice is yours now, you can choose any of the following:
- Enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan.
- Enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Return to Original Medicare.
- Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Guaranteed-issue rights may apply to your specific situation.
You can make enroll as soon as Oct 15th and as late as February 28th however to have the smoothest transition you want to to make your decision before December 31st if you don’t make a choice before them you will revert to Original Medicare coverage.
OCTOBER 15
🟢 You can begin making your Medicare decision
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period begins. This is a good time to compare your available plans, including premiums, doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and benefits.
DECEMBER 7
🟡 Annual Enrollment Period ends.
If you choose a new plan during this period, your new coverage generally begins January 1, 2027.
DECEMBER 8 – FEBRUARY 28
🔵 Special Enrollment Period
If your Medicare plan is not being renewed, you have an additional opportunity to choose new coverage during this Special Enrollment Period.
FEBRUARY 28
🔴 Special Enrollment Period ends.
There May Be More Than One Path Forward
This is where a careful review can make a difference.
There isn’t necessarily one answer for everyone whose plan is ending.
For some people, another Medicare Advantage plan may be an option. For others, returning to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan and prescription drug coverage may make sense. In certain circumstances, additional Medicare coverage options or Special Enrollment Period rights may also need to be considered.
If your plan is being discontinued, its important to understand all the options.
You Don’t Have to Navigate the Change Alone
We’ll help you understand the options available to you based on your individual situation and help you compare coverage where appropriate—including things such as:
- Your doctors and preferred providers
- Prescription drug coverage
- Pharmacies
- Premiums and other out-of-pocket costs
- Plan networks
- Your eligibility for applicable enrollment opportunities
- Additional Benefits and services
Our goal is to help you understand your options, so you can make an informed Medicare decision.
One Important Reminder
Medicare enrollment rules can be very specific. Your eligibility, enrollment period, available plans, and effective dates depend on your individual circumstances.
Don’t wait until your current coverage ends to start asking questions.
If you’ve received a notice that your Medicare plan is ending, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll review the information with you, explain the options that may be available, and help you take the next step.
