Major Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings are being reduced in 2026.
Counties with smaller populations of people over 65 are most affected, though some areas will gain plans.
Overall, MA enrollment is expected to drop by nearly one million beneficiaries compared to 2025.
The cutbacks are driven by higher patient usage, sicker enrollees, and reduced government reimbursement rates.
Some insurers, such as Humana and Clover Health, are still increasing plan availability nationwide.
Category: Uncategorized
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Medicare Advantage Cuts Expected Nationwide in 2026 | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
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Winter Reprocessing Brings New Opportunities for Medicare Claim Approval
This winter, Medicare claim denials are rising due to tighter scrutiny on duplicate claims, stricter coding, out-of-network services, durable medical equipment, preventive services, telehealth, and increased documentation requests. Seniors face delays and financial strain, especially during high-demand seasons. Staying organized, verifying coverage, and maintaining clear communication with providers can help retirees manage these challenges and reduce denial risks.
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Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown
Life insurance is important even if your children are grown and your mortgage is paid off. It can cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, support surviving family members by replacing lost income, settle your final tax bill, and leave a charitable donation. Life insurance ensures your loved ones are financially protected and can help fulfill your wishes after you pass away.
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Lost Your MA Plan? Here’s What to Do | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Beneficiaries should check their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see if their MA plan will continue in 2026.
Open Enrollment allows switching to available MA plans or Original Medicare, with a second period in early 2026.
Missing enrollment may default members to Original Medicare, risking loss of prescription coverage without Part D.
Compare plans carefully, including premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and drug formularies, to avoid coverage gaps.
Options like Medigap or Medicare Cost Plans and consulting SHIP advisors or brokers can help navigate cancellations. -
Most Americans Pleased With Health Insurance Options for 2026
Most Americans are satisfied with 2026 health insurance options, especially those with employer-sponsored plans (81%) and Medicare (86%). However, 79% of ACA enrollees were surprised by rising premiums. Many expect Congress to extend ACA subsidies. Interest in AI for selecting plans is high, with 56% willing to use it to save time and money. Medicare Advantage shows stable premiums, higher out-of-pocket maximums, and 86% of plans have $0 monthly premiums.
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Tips to Help You Choose the Best Medigap Plan | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Medigap helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for ~12.5M, or 42% of Original Medicare beneficiaries.
All plans with the same letter offer identical benefits, but premiums vary by state, insurer, and pricing method.
Average Medigap premium: $217/mo in 2023; Plan G avg. $164/mo, but ZIP code impacts cost.
Switching plans can be difficult due to medical underwriting outside the six-month Open Enrollment Period, except in some states.
Review risk pool size, pricing method, and loss ratios to anticipate long-term costs before choosing a plan. -
Do You Qualify for Medicare Benefits? | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Most qualify at age **65**; some earlier with disability or certain health conditions.
U.S. citizens or lawful residents (≥ five years) are eligible; work history affects premium-free Part A.
Disabilities, ESRD, or ALS can qualify people under **65**; ALS has no waiting period for coverage.
Dual eligibility: Some get both Medicare and Medicaid; Medicaid covers costs Medicare doesn't.
Initial Enrollment Period lasts **7 months** around your **65th** birthday; late enrollment can mean penalties. -
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage? Which is best for you?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines Parts A, B, and D with extra benefits like dental and vision, offered by private insurers with network restrictions. Private-Fee-For-Service plans offer more provider flexibility but variable costs. Special Needs Plans target specific health conditions. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) fills gaps in original Medicare, allowing any provider accepting Medicare. Choose based on travel, provider preferences, health needs, and cost predictability.
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2026 COLA vs. Medicare Hike: How Much of Your Raise Will You Actually Keep?
In 2026, Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8%, adding about $56 monthly, but Medicare Part B premiums will increase by 9.7% to $202.90, reducing the net benefit gain to around $38. The annual Part B deductible also rises to $283. The "hold harmless" rule protects some low-benefit recipients from premium hikes exceeding their COLA, but new enrollees, high earners, and those with separate premium deductions are not protected. Rising Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums add further financial strain.
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The Best Medicare Plans for Your Needs | I’m Mike Harrington, assisting you to get the coverage that fits your needs Contact me today.
Advantage: lower premiums, extra benefits, but network limits and preauthorization often required.
Medigap: higher premiums, broad provider choice, covers more out-of-pocket costs, no referrals needed.
Enrollment periods are critical; missing deadlines can mean penalties or limited plan options.
Switching plans may be restricted, especially for Medigap if you have pre-existing conditions.
Use Medicare.gov tools and open enrollment to compare plans and avoid penalties.