In my recent blog post, “Medicare: What to Review Before Fall,” I discussed Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7.
I encouraged readers to review their prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, total healthcare costs, Medigap considerations, and possible Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, commonly known as IRMAA.
A recent MarketWatch article titled “Medicare Advantage Plans Are Changing: What to Review for 2027” provides another reason to begin that review early.
The article reports that some older adults may need to find new health coverage for 2027 as insurers discontinue plans or leave certain markets. People living in rural communities may face greater challenges because they often have fewer plans and healthcare providers available.
Some Insurers Are Reducing Their Medicare Advantage Plans
Several insurers have announced changes affecting Medicare Advantage members:
Humana expects its 2027 plan exits and changes to affect approximately 600,000 members. Humana hopes to retain some of those members through other Humana plans, but the available choices will depend on where each member lives.
Presbyterian Health Plan plans to discontinue most of its Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, affecting approximately 30,000 members. It expects to continue offering a plan for certain people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Molina Healthcare plans to stop offering standard individual Medicare Advantage plans with prescription-drug coverage in 2027. It expects to continue focusing on plans for certain members who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Clear Spring Health exited the Medicare Advantage market effective May 31, 2026.
These announcements do not mean that Medicare Advantage is ending. They do show that insurers can discontinue plans, leave certain counties, change benefits, or revise their provider and pharmacy networks from one year to the next.
What Should You Review?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, carefully read the Annual Notice of Change that your insurer sends before the next plan year.
Do not review only the monthly premium. Check:
Whether your plan will still be offered in your county
Whether your doctors, specialists, and hospitals will remain in the network
Whether your pharmacy will remain in the plan’s network
Whether your prescriptions will remain on the plan’s formulary
Changes to deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance
The annual maximum you could pay for covered medical services
Changes to dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or over-the-counter benefits
Prior-authorization and referral requirements
If your plan is being discontinued, do not assume that you will automatically be moved into the plan that best meets your needs. Compare the available choices carefully.
Protect Yourself From Unsolicited Calls
Mary Johnson, an independent Medicare and Social Security analyst quoted by MarketWatch, warned consumers to be cautious of unsolicited callers claiming to represent an insurance company.
Do not give an unexpected caller your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or other personal information.
Instead, call the customer-service number printed on the back of your insurance card. You can also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or obtain free, impartial assistance through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, commonly known as SHIP.
The Bottom Line
Medicare coverage should not be treated as a decision that can be made once and then ignored. A plan that worked well in 2026 may cost more, cover different prescriptions, use a different provider network, offer different benefits, or no longer be available in 2027.
Review your Annual Notice of Change, confirm that your healthcare providers and prescriptions will remain covered, and compare the plans available where you live. A careful review before the December 7 deadline can help prevent unwelcome surprises after the new year begins.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not individualized medical, insurance, tax, legal, or financial advice. Medicare rules, plan availability, premiums, benefits, provider networks, prescription formularies, and enrollment rights vary by plan, location, and individual circumstances and may change. Contact Medicare, the applicable insurance company, or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for current information. Consult qualified professionals before changing coverage. Neither the author nor Byzantium Wealth Management Strategies is affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, MarketWatch, or any insurance company mentioned.