These changes are making insurers reconsider where and how they can profitably operate MA plans. United Healthcare, the nation’s largest MA provider, recently disclosed it will exit MA in 109 counties across the U.S. in 2026, affecting roughly 180,000 enrollees. Additionally, United Healthcare is fully leaving Vermont’s MA market, meaning that seniors in that state would need to find another private option if there are any left. Another big insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is also exiting Vermont, putting a statewide end to its Vermont Blue Advantage MA plans in 2026. And across the border in New Hampshire, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will stop offering individual MA plans altogether.<\/p>\n
Read more: You’ve Been Warned: Medicare Won’t Cover These 13 Medical Costs For Seniors<\/a><\/p>\n What this means for seniors and what to do next older woman paying a bill at a hospital reception desk – Adamkaz\/Getty Images<\/p>\n For the seniors caught in the middle of these exits, there’s some good news: When a Medicare Advantage plan non-renews, beneficiaries automatically revert to Original Medicare unless they choose another option. So, no matter what happens, you won’t be left\u00a0without coverage. The trade-off is that Original Medicare doesn’t include extras like routine eye checks<\/a>, dental, or bundled prescription coverage.\u00a0Unlike MA, it also has no annual out-of-pocket maximum. That means higher potential costs if you get sick without additional coverage.<\/p>\n If you lose your MA plan, you also qualify for Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)<\/a>, which give you until the end of February to pick a new Medicare Advantage plan if one is available in your county. If not, you can add a standalone Part D drug plan and consider a Medigap supplement to help with your out-of-pocket expenses. Federal rules give you a one-time guaranteed right to buy Medigap without any medical underwriting, but that window only lasts 63 days after coverage ends, so you’ll need to act fast.<\/p>\n Low-income seniors should also check if they qualify for “Extra Help<\/a>” with drug costs, because it’s one of\u00a0the best ways to get discounts on prescriptions<\/a>. Additionally, Medicare Savings Programs\u00a0can help pay hospital and medical insurance premiums and reduce cost-sharing. For anyone overwhelmed by the choices, your state’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)<\/a> offers free, one-on-one help comparing plans and deadlines.<\/p>\n![\"older](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1641f39df4013027e2a9b4401c4e428b.jpeg\"\/)
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