Did You Know: My MA Plan is Ending

During the busy AEP period, we need to decide which clients need help before December 7th and which can wait until after. Who needs help first?

If a client’s Medicare Advantage plan ends this year, they have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until February 28th to choose a new Medicare plan. If they don’t select a new plan by December 31st, they’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare starting January 1st. They also have a Guarantee Issue (GI) right to get a Medicare Supplement plan. The new policy will start on the first of the month after they apply.

There are several reasons why a Medicare Advantage plan might be ending: 

1. Plan Withdrawal: The insurance company offering the plan may decide to stop offering it, either because it is no longer profitable or they are restructuring their plan offerings. 
2. Service Area Changes:The plan might no longer be available in your area if the insurance company decides to reduce its service area. 
3. Contract Termination: Medicare may terminate its contract with the plan if it fails to meet certain standards or requirements. 
4. Non-Renewal: Medicare might choose not to renew its contract with the plan for the upcoming year. 
5. Low Performance: Plans that consistently receive low ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may be discontinued. 
6. Provider Network Changes: Sometimes, hospitals or healthcare providers may end their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to administrative challenges or payment issues.