Medicare Plan Not Renewing for 2027? What Happens Next

Receiving a Medicare plan non-renewal notice can feel alarming. You may immediately wonder: "Am I losing my Medicare coverage?"

The answer is more specific. If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is not renewing effective January 1, 2027, your current plan generally continues through December 31, 2026. That gives you time to review what comes next.

What does plan non-renewal mean?

A Medicare Advantage or Part D plan can decide not to renew its contract or can stop offering a plan in a particular area. CMS also recognizes situations involving service-area reductions and contract changes.

A plan non-renewal generally means the current plan will not continue into the next calendar year. It does not mean your current coverage ends the day you receive the notice.

Your current plan continues through December 31

For a non-renewal effective January 1, 2027, the existing plan generally continues through the end of the 2026 plan year. That means December 31, 2026 is the final day of the current plan. Continue using your coverage according to the plan's rules through that date.

Medicare Annual Enrollment gives you time to choose

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. During this period, beneficiaries can make certain Medicare coverage changes for the upcoming year.

If you choose new coverage by December 7, that coverage generally begins January 1, 2027. This gives beneficiaries whose plans are ending a chance to review alternatives before the existing plan terminates. For a broader overview, see our Medicare & You 2027 guide.

What happens if my Medicare Advantage plan ends and I do nothing?

Medicare states that if your Medicare Advantage plan is not renewed and you do not join another Medicare Advantage plan before the current plan ends, you will be enrolled in Original Medicare when the old plan ends. For a plan ending December 31, that means Original Medicare generally begins January 1.

What about prescription drugs?

Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not automatically include standard outpatient prescription drug coverage. Someone returning to Original Medicare should review whether they need a separate Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Do not assume your previous Medicare Advantage drug coverage will simply continue separately. Review prescription coverage before the transition.

What is the non-renewal Special Enrollment Period?

CMS provides an additional Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for beneficiaries affected by certain plan non-renewals. For a plan that is not renewed effective January 1, the SEP runs December 8 through the last day of February of the following year.

For 2027 coverage, that means December 8, 2026 through February 28, 2027.

When would new coverage start during the SEP?

Enrollment December 8 through December 31

Coverage can begin January 1.

Enrollment during January

Coverage can begin February 1.

Enrollment during February

Coverage can begin March 1.

That timing is one reason I encourage people not to wait unnecessarily. If you already know the plan is ending, begin reviewing options during Annual Enrollment.

Does everyone with a plan change get this SEP?

No. Special Enrollment Periods depend on specific qualifying circumstances. Do not assume eligibility because:

• Your premium changed.
• Your benefits changed.
• Your doctor left a network.
• Your plan name changed.
• You simply want another plan.

The non-renewal SEP applies to qualifying plan non-renewals and related circumstances described by Medicare. Verify your individual eligibility through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

Keep your non-renewal notice

Do not discard the plan letter. Keep it with your Medicare documents. The notice can help you identify:

• The plan that is ending.
• The termination date.
• Any instructions from the plan.
• Information about your rights and next steps.

Bring the notice with you if you ask for help reviewing coverage.

Seven things to review before choosing a replacement

1. Your doctors

Check your primary care physician and specialists.

2. Your hospitals

Confirm the facilities you prefer.

3. Your prescriptions

Review the formulary.

4. Your pharmacy

Check the pharmacy network.

5. Your healthcare costs

Compare the premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket.

6. Prior authorization

Review authorization requirements for services you use.

7. Supplemental benefits

If evaluating Medicare Advantage, review benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, transportation, fitness, over-the-counter, and other supplemental benefits. Our article on Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement explains how the two approaches differ.

Do not assume the replacement plan should look like the old one

A plan ending can feel inconvenient. It can also be an opportunity to reassess your actual healthcare needs.

Do you take different medications now? Did you add a specialist? Has your budget changed? Did the benefits you actually use change? Your 2027 coverage should be based on your 2027 needs.

What Dantzler Health Solutions can do

If you receive a Medicare non-renewal notice, Dantzler Health Solutions can help you review available plans we represent in your area. We can help you look at doctors, medications, costs, networks, and plan benefits. Learn more on our Medicare guidance page.

We do not determine SEP eligibility. For official confirmation of a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

The takeaway

• Your current plan continues through December 31.
• Annual Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7.
• A qualifying non-renewal may provide an SEP from December 8 through the end of February.
• If your Medicare Advantage plan ends and you do not join another Medicare Advantage plan, you generally return to Original Medicare.
• Verify SEP eligibility with Medicare.

The most important thing is not to ignore the notice. Read it. Keep it. Review your options. And understand what happens January 1.

Education first. I'm LJ, founder of Dantzler Health Solutions.

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This content is provided for educational purposes. Medicare Special Enrollment Period eligibility, effective dates, plan availability, and enrollment rights depend on the individual's specific circumstances. Verify official eligibility through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.