Is Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ending or Changing?
Every fall, some Medicare Advantage carriers discontinue plans or pull out of counties. If your plan is discontinued, federal rules may give you guaranteed-issue rights into a Medicare Supplement plan — which can mean no health questions and no medical underwriting during your window.
⚠ Time-sensitive: If you received — or expect — a letter saying your Medicare Advantage plan won’t be offered next year, don’t wait. Guaranteed-issue windows are limited, and your right to enroll without underwriting can expire. A licensed producer can confirm your window and walk you through the next step.
What “Guaranteed Issue” May Mean for You
When a Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, qualifying beneficiaries may be able to buy certain Medicare Supplement plans without going through medical underwriting.
No Health Questions
If you qualify for guaranteed-issue rights, the carrier generally can’t turn you down or charge you more because of pre-existing conditions during your window.
A Defined Window
Guaranteed-issue rights come with a specific timeframe — typically starting when you get your plan’s discontinuation notice. Miss the window and standard underwriting may apply.
Freedom to Choose Doctors
Medicare Supplement plans generally let you see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals.
Key Dates This Fall
Plan exits are announced in early fall, ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period. Here’s the timeline to watch.
Got the letter? Let’s make sure you don’t lose your window.
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Eastern · A licensed insurance producer will answer.
Find Out If You Qualify
Tell us where to reach you and a licensed insurance producer will review your situation — including whether guaranteed-issue rights apply to you.
Plan-Exit Questions
How do I know if my Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued?
Your carrier is required to send you a written notice — usually in early October — if your plan won’t be offered the following year. Watch your mail carefully in the fall, and don’t throw away anything from your plan.
What are guaranteed-issue rights?
Guaranteed-issue rights are federal protections that, in certain situations — including when your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued — may let you buy a Medicare Supplement policy without medical underwriting. The carrier generally can’t deny you or charge more based on health during your window.
How long do I have to act?
Guaranteed-issue windows are time-limited and typically begin when you receive your plan’s discontinuation notice. The exact timeframe depends on your situation, which is why it’s important to talk to a licensed producer as soon as you get the letter.
Can I just pick another Medicare Advantage plan instead?
Yes — during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) you can choose a different Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan. A licensed producer can compare both paths — another MA plan or a Medigap plan with guaranteed-issue rights — so you can decide what’s best for you.
Will a Medicare Supplement plan cost more than my Advantage plan?
It depends. Medigap plans usually have higher monthly premiums than many Medicare Advantage plans, but they may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs when you need care, and they don’t restrict you to a network. We can run the numbers for your situation.
Do you offer every plan available in my area?
No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
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