Medicare Plan Discontinuation: How to Navigate the Change

You’re sorting through your mail when you spot it: a notice from your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) provider. The plan you’ve had for the past few years won’t be offered next year.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, afraid or even upset by this kind of notice and now you're thinking... What Now?

The good news is that you have options, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m here to walk you through what to do if your plan is being discontinued so you can confidently make the best choice for your health and your wallet.

--> What if I do NOTHING?

Doing nothing is an option, however, it is important to note that if you receive notice of your plan being discontinued for any reason and you do not enroll into another plan -- you will automatically revert back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

--> Start With the Letter

That notice you received? It’s packed with important information and to be honest, most people throw it away without actually reviewing the information. That document will tell you exactly when your current plan ends, which is usually December 31st, and what steps you need to take next.

Take a few minutes to read through it, and highlight key dates or deadlines. This is your starting point, and knowing these details will help us move forward without missing anything.

--> Take Advantage of Your Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If your plan is being discontinued, Medicare gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to find new coverage. This SEP is a safety net, so you won’t be left without a plan.

Here’s what to know about the SEP:

• You can start looking for a new plan as soon as you get the notice.
• Your SEP typically lasts until the end of February, giving you some time to decide.
• If you choose a plan before December 31st, your new coverage will kick in on January 1st.

It’s easy to put this off when you know you've got time because of this Special Enrollment Period eligibility, but trust me—starting as soon as possible makes everything easier.

--> Know Your Options

When your plan is discontinued, it’s not just about finding a replacement. This is actually a perfect opportunity to make sure your new plan meets your current and future needs. That’s where I can help.

We’ll start by looking at:

• Your healthcare providers: Does the new plan include your doctors and specialists?
• Your prescriptions: Are your medications covered? What will they cost?
• Additional benefits: Do you need extras like dental, vision, or hearing coverage?

Every plan and every carrier is a little different, and choosing the wrong one can cost you more than you realize. That’s why it’s so important to have someone who knows the ins and outs of Medicare to guide you through this process.

--> Medicare Supplement Plans

If you’re thinking about switching back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), this is the time to consider adding a Medicare Supplement plan. If you remember in a previous blog post, I discuss the fact that Original Medicare only covers 80% of your actual health care and the other 20% is your responsibility. This is where a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplemental Plan come into play. Now a Medicare Supplement helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for but not additional add ons like Dental, Vision, & Hearing.

If your Advantage plan is ending it's coverage, you may qualify to enroll in a Medicare Supplement with a Guaranteed Issue Right.

When you have a guaranteed issue right, companies must sell you a Medicare Supplement policy at the best available rate, regardless of your health status, and cannot deny you coverage. The best available rate may depend on a number of factors, including your age, gender, whether you smoke, your marital status, and where you live.

If your plan being discontinued feels like a hassle and a HUGE problem, I get it. But it’s also a good reminder of why annual reviews are so important.

Every year, Medicare plans change. What worked for you last year might not work now, even if it’s still being offered.

By reviewing your coverage every year, we can:

• Make sure your plan fits your current needs.
• Avoid surprises like unexpected costs or losing access to your doctor.
• Ensure you’re not overpaying for benefits you don’t use.

Consider an annual review as a check-up for your Medicare plan. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can save you a lot of headaches—and money—in the long run.

If your Medicare Advantage or PDP plan is being discontinued, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s answering your questions, comparing plans, or handling the enrollment process, I’m here to help.

Let’s take this one step at a time and find a plan that works for you. Give me a call or send me a message today, and we’ll get started on making sure you’re covered for the year ahead.

You’ve got this—and I’ve got your back.