About 3 Million People Are Losing Their Medicare Advantage Plan in 2027. Is Yours One of Them?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, this year's Annual Enrollment Period is one of the most important in years. Insurance companies are discontinuing plans and leaving hundreds of counties for 2027, and millions of people will need to choose new coverage before their current plan ends on December 31.

How many people are affected?

Estimates from groups that analyze government plan data range from about 2.8 million to 3.8 million Medicare Advantage members whose current plan will not continue in their county for 2027. That's up from roughly 2.9 million for 2026 and about 2 million for 2025, so the problem is growing each year.

Some areas are hit harder than others. According to KFF, 193 counties will have no Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage open to general enrollment in 2027, up from 123 counties this year. Rural counties are affected most, but people in cities are getting non-renewal letters too.

How do I know if my plan is ending?

If your plan is being discontinued, your insurance company should have mailed you a Plan Non-Renewal Notice. Many of these letters were dated in early October. It's easy to mistake for junk mail, so check your recent mail carefully.

Even if your plan is continuing, look at your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Plans that stay often change their premiums, copays, drug lists, and doctor networks for the new year.

What happens if I do nothing?

If your Medicare Advantage plan ends and you don't choose a new one, you'll generally be moved back to Original Medicare on January 1. That sounds simple, but it can leave real gaps:

• You may start 2027 without drug coverage unless you also enroll in a Part D prescription plan.
• You lose the extra benefits your plan included, such as dental, vision, hearing, and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
• Original Medicare alone has deductibles and 20% coinsurance with no yearly cap, unless you add a Medicare Supplement.

The deadlines that matter

You also may have a guaranteed right to buy certain Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans without health questions when your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area. That window is limited, so don't wait.

What you should do this week

1. Find your letters. Look for a non-renewal notice or your Annual Notice of Change.
2. Make a list. Write down your doctors, specialists, hospitals, pharmacy, and every prescription with the dose.
3. Compare your options. Check which plans in your county cover your doctors and drugs, and compare total yearly costs, not just the monthly premium.
4. Enroll before December 7 so your new coverage starts January 1.
5. Watch out for scams. Medicare will not call you out of the blue asking for your Medicare number.

Need help?

This is exactly what I help people with every fall. I'll review your letter, check your doctors and prescriptions, and walk you through the plans available in your area, at no cost to you. Call or text me at (661) 671-6762 or book a free call.