What Happens When my Medicare Advantage Plan is No Longer Offered in my Area?
By Erica Beaudry
Published in Northampton Living | December 2025
If your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan will no longer be available in your area, it can feel unsettling — but you do have options and time to make a smooth transition. Each year, private insurance companies that offer MA plans can decide to change, renew or discontinue their contracts with Medicare. When a plan is discontinued or no longer available in your county or zip code, Medicare provides a special enrollment period so you can choose new coverage without losing your healthcare access. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Look for a Notice from Your Plan
If your Medicare Advantage plan is ending, you’ll receive a non-renewal notice from your insurance company by October 2 of the year before the change takes effect. This letter explains that your plan won’t be available next year and outlines your next steps. It’s important to read this notice carefully — it confirms when your coverage will end (usually on December 31) and provides information about your rights to enroll in a new plan.
2. Expect to Return to Original Medicare if You Don’t Act
If you don’t take any action, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) starting January 1 of the next year. This ensures you don’t experience a lapse in basic coverage. However, Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage or many of the extra benefits (like dental, vision or hearing) that Medicare Advantage plans often provide.
3. Take Advantage of a Special Enrollment Period
When your plan ends, you’re entitled to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows you to choose a new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan. This SEP begins two months before your plan ends and lasts two months after it ends. For example, if your plan ends December 31, your SEP runs from November 1 through February 28. During this time, you can:
• Enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan available in your area
• Switch to Original Medicare and add a standalone Part D (prescription drug) plan
• Consider purchasing a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy, though availability may depend on your state and health history
4. Compare Your Options Carefully
Use this opportunity to review your healthcare needs, preferred doctors and prescription coverage. Not all plans offer the same benefits, provider networks or costs. Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov allows you to compare plans side-by-side based on premiums, copayments, covered medications and star ratings. You can also contact an independent broker or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, personalized help.
Erica Beaudry
Medicare Advisor
413 626 9906
info@eafinancialsolutions.com
eafinancialsolutions.com
5. Avoid Gaps in Coverage
To ensure continuous coverage, enroll in a new plan before your current one ends. If you wait until after your old plan expires, you might face a temporary gap in drug coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare.
In summary, when your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, Medicare ensures you’re not left without healthcare coverage. Acting early will help you maintain uninterrupted access to the doctors, prescriptions and benefits you depend on. If you recently lost coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan or Aetna, you still have time to enroll in a new plan. As always, I’m here to help.
Disclaimer: I do not work for and I am not affiliated with Medicare.
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