If you recently received a letter informing your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D drug plan termination, you’re not alone.
Every year, insurance companies make changes—sometimes discontinuing plans, merging plans, or pulling out of certain counties.
The good news: you have special rights and timeframes that allow you to switch plans without losing coverage.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on what to do next.
1. Don’t Panic — You Are Protected by Medicare
When your plan is terminated, Medicare gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
This allows you to change plans without waiting for the regular enrollment period.
Depending on the type of termination, your SEP may last:
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2 months after your plan ends
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OR longer, if the carrier exits your area entirely
During this window, you can choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
2. Carefully Read the Termination Letter
Your termination or “non-renewal” letter should tell you:
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Why the plan is ending
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When your current plan coverage will stop
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What your options are
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Whether your doctors or drugs are affected
Keep this letter — brokers and Medicare representatives will ask for it.
3. Review Your Healthcare Needs for the New Year
Before choosing your next plan, consider:
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Your current doctors and medical groups
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Your prescription medications
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Your preferred hospitals
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Budget (premiums, copays, MOOP)
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Dental, vision, hearing needs
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Travel or out-of-state usage
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Additional benefits (OTC, transportation, gym, etc.)
Every carrier changes their benefits each year — sometimes significantly.
4. Explore Your Replacement Options
Based on the type of plan you had, here is what you can switch to:
If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Terminated
You may enroll in:
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Another Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO) plan
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Original Medicare + Part D
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Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
(You may qualify for Guaranteed Issue rights if your MA plan ends)
If Your Part D Prescription Plan Is Terminated
You may:
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Switch to another stand-alone Part D plan
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Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MAPD)
If Your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Is Being Discontinued
Depending on the situation, you may have Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights, meaning:
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No medical underwriting
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The carrier must accept you
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You cannot be charged more because of health conditions
5. Act Quickly — Delays Can Lead to Coverage Gaps
If you do not select a new plan before your SEP ends:
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You could be left without prescription coverage
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You may have a gap in your medical benefits
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You might pay late-enrollment penalties
Don’t wait until the last week — Medicare enrollments take time to process.
6. Work With a Licensed Medicare Broker
When a plan is terminated, many seniors feel overwhelmed comparing:
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Dozens of carriers
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Marketing flyers
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Confusing benefits
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Changing doctor networks
A licensed Medicare broker can:
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Verify which plans your doctors accept
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Compare prescription drug costs
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Explain benefit changes for 2026
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Help you enroll in the best plan — at no cost
Skyline Benefit assists with all carriers, including SCAN, Blue Shield, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem, Humana, and more.
Get Help Understanding Your Medicare Plan Termintion?
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare insurance broker helping seniors compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options for 2026.
If you need help:
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Estimating your 2026 Medicare costs
- Choosing between Advantage and Supplement plans
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Reviewing your prescriptions
Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112