Medicare Advantage Plans Ending in 2027? What to Do
Are Medicare Advantage plans ending in 2027? Learn what happens if your plan is discontinued, when to compare options, and how to avoid a coverage gap.
If you received a letter saying your Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027, don’t ignore it. Medicare Advantage plans can change each year, and some plans may stop being offered in certain areas. If your plan is ending, you still have Medicare coverage options.
How Do I Know If My Medicare Advantage Plan Is Ending?
Your insurance company should send you a notice explaining what is happening. Watch for Medicare-related mail in September and October. Your notice may say:
Your Medicare Advantage plan will not be offered in 2027
The plan is leaving your area
The plan's contract is not being renewed
You need to choose new coverage for January 1
This is different from a plan that is continuing but changing its benefits, copays, drug coverage, or provider network.
What Happens If My Medicare Advantage Plan Ends?
Your Medicare does not disappear. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:
Enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan
Return to Original Medicare
Add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if needed
Explore Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage if you qualify
The best fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, health needs, and plans available where you live.
When Can I Choose a New Medicare Plan?
For 2027 coverage, Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period is:
October 15 through December 7, 2026.
During this time, you can change Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage. Changes generally begin January 1, 2027. You can begin comparing 2027 Medicare plan options starting October 1, 2026. If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan's Medicare contract is not renewed, Medicare also provides a Special Enrollment Period from December 8 through the last day of February of the following year.
What Should You Compare?
Don’t choose a plan based only on the monthly premium. Check:
Doctors: Are your doctors and specialists in-network?
Hospitals: Are your preferred hospitals included?
Prescriptions: Are your medications covered?
Drug costs: What will you pay at the pharmacy?
Hospital copays: What would an inpatient stay cost?
Maximum out-of-pocket: What is your yearly spending limit?
Specialist copays: What will specialist visits cost?
Extra benefits: What dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or other benefits are included?
A lower premium does not always mean lower overall costs.
What If My Plan Is Changing but Not Ending?
It is still worth reviewing your coverage. Medicare Advantage plans can change:
Copays
Deductibles
Prescription drug coverage
Provider networks
Maximum out-of-pocket limits
Dental, vision, hearing, and other extra benefits
Your healthcare needs may change too. A plan that worked well in 2026 may not be the best fit for 2027.
What Should I Do Before October 15?
Gather:
Your current Medicare plan information
Your doctors and specialists
Your preferred hospitals
Your prescriptions
Medicare plan notices you received
Benefits that matter most to you
Beginning October 1, you can start comparing your current coverage with Medicare options available for 2027.
Need Help Reviewing Your 2027 Medicare Options?
If your Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027, or you're unsure what a letter from your insurance company means, I can help you review your options. We can compare:
Doctors
Prescriptions
Hospitals
Costs
Benefits
There is no pressure to change plans if your current coverage still works for you. Schedule a Medicare review for October 1 or later to go over your 2027 options.