The Big Picture: About 69 million Americans are on Medicare. Roughly 52–54% (≈ 37 million people) have Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. In 2026, hundreds of MA plans—especially PPOs—are being eliminated nationwide. Over 1 million enrollees may lose their current plan (≈ 3% of all MA members). UnitedHealth Group , the largest insurer, will drop plans serving more than 600,000 members — mainly PPOs and group MA plans. ⚠️ What This Means If your plan ends, you will not be automatically transferred (“crosswalked”) to a new plan. You must choose a new plan between October 15 and December 31, 2025. If you do nothing, you’ll revert to Original Medicare only (no Advantage benefits, no Part D coverage). Expect new cost controls: referrals, narrower provider networks, premiums added to former $0 plans, new deductibles, and more partnerships with hospital systems. 💡 Why It’s Happening Rising healthcare costs outpacing inflation. Increased use and intensity of care. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) drug-coverage changes (2025) shift more costs to insurers. Competitive bidding pressures and shrinking margins. 📘 See CMS details here: CMS Fact Sheet — Contract Year 2026 Policy & Technical Changes CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage & Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet 🧭 Your Options Option 1 — Pick a new Medicare Advantage plan. If your plan is not terminated: AEP = Oct 15 – Dec 7. If your plan is terminated: you have until Dec 31 to choose a new MA plan effective Jan 1. Compare benefits and provider networks early. Option 2 — Use Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights to return to Original Medicare + Medigap. GI applies to Medigap plans A, B, C, D, F (pre-2020 eligibility required), and G. Plan N usually requires underwriting. GI window: 60 days before MA ends + 63 days after. Your Medigap coverage can start Jan 1, 2026 to avoid gaps. 🧾 More guidance: Medicare Advantage Rule Changes for 2026 — Plain-English Guide 🗓️ Key Deadlines & Documents September 2025: Look for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). October 1: Agents can discuss specific plans. October 15 – December 7: Standard Annual Enrollment Period. December 31: Final deadline if your plan is ending. Watch mail for termination notices and follow up letters. 👥 Agent / Broker Notes In 34 states plus DC, insurers don’t have to pay agents for GI cases — so some agents may avoid them. Be aware of potential steering toward Advantage plans (for which compensation exists). Protect your agent relationship: if you call a TV number or enroll directly, you may remove your broker of record. 📰 More context: Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Ending in 2026 🧩 Checklist & Resources Purpose Link Step-by-step transition guide / plan comparison Checklist for Medicare https://seniorsreports.com/medicare-advantage-plans-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Compare 2026 plans side-by-side: https://www.comparemedicareadvantageplans.org/medicare/medicare-plans-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Consumer education resource (AARP summary) AARP: https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2026/medicare-advantage-changes.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Medicare Resources press brief: https://www.medicareresources.org/newsroom/press-releases/what-to-know-about-medicare-changes-before-you-shop-for-a-2026-plan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 🎯 Bottom Line This episode isn’t anti-Advantage or pro-Medigap — it’s a survival guide. Know the rules, use your GI rights if eligible, and act before December 31, 2025 to avoid coverage gaps.
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