10/22/2026
US Medicare Plan Ending Action Steps
When a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan ends, taking action quickly is crucial to avoid gaps in your healthcare coverage. If you don’t select a new plan, you’ll automatically move to Original Medicare on January 1—with no annual out-of-pocket cap and your drug coverage ending. For those with Extra Help, reassignment may occur, but it’s best not to leave this to chance. In 2026, expect Part B to cost $202.90 a month with a $283 deductible, while Part A carries a $1,700 deductible. With some insurers ending coverage for roughly 600,000 Medicare Advantage members in 2027, those early notice letters aren’t just paperwork—they’re your signal to start reviewing your options.
Medigap guaranteed-issue rights open 60 days before your plan ends and last for 63 days after. If you go more than 63 days without drug coverage, you could face permanent Part D penalties. To ensure continuous protection starting January 1, it’s essential to choose a new plan by December 31. Review every prescription, tier, and pharmacy relationship carefully, then select the Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Part D coverage that matches your needs. With decades of experience guiding families through Medicare decisions, I know these windows are critical for protecting your financial and healthcare future.