The landscape of Medicare Advantage (MA) is changing in 2026. A number of large healthcare systems across the country have recently decided to terminate their MA contracts, which will leave many MA enrollees with fewer options for care. Some healthcare providers attribute the choice to pull out of MA to administrative barriers to care, including frequent prior authorization delays and denials, as well as inadequate reimbursement rates. The decline in MA options and providers means fewer options for beneficiaries enrolled in MA, who may now need to travel farther or find new providers to receive care.
In addition, MA enrollment is projected to decrease by 900,000 enrollees nationwide, the first decline in MA enrollment in over a decade. MA plans are offering fewer plan options and have ceased broker commissions for many of their MA products, citing decreased profits.
If a beneficiary enrolled in an MA Plan finds it no longer fits their needs, they can choose a new plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. Beneficiaries must be enrolled in an MA plan to access this enrollment period – they cannot use it to choose an MA plan unless they are already enrolled in one. Beneficiaries who want to switch back to traditional Medicare can also use the MA OEP to do so by enrolling in a standalone Part D plan.
MA enrollees can contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) during the MA OEP for personalized, local guidance on plan options. In CT, that’s CHOICES, at 800-994-9422. Visit shiphelp.org to find information on your local SHIP.
January 8, 2026 – M. Lambert