Is Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ending in 2027? What Fresno Seniors Should Do Next
By Dr. Harman Virk, DO — Board‑Certified Internal Medicine, The Modern Medicine Group (Fresno, CA)
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and not medical advice. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you’re worried—seek urgent care or call 911.
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Quick Take
Several large insurers are ending Medicare Advantage plans or leaving counties for 2027. Humana alone is dropping plans for about 600,000 members nationwide.
If your plan is ending, you should get a non-renewal letter. It is different from the usual Annual Notice of Change.
You can choose a new plan during Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2026) or a special window through the end of February 2027.
If you do nothing, you'll be moved to Original Medicare without drug coverage.
You also get a guaranteed right to buy certain Medigap plans, with no health questions.
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Table of Contents
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1) Why Some Medicare Advantage Plans Are Ending for 2027
Insurers say Medicare's payments aren't keeping up with rising medical costs. For 2027, many are responding by:
Ending some plans, especially some PPO plans
Leaving certain counties entirely
Cutting extra benefits and raising out-of-pocket limits on the plans they keep
California will have 394 Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, down from 402. Some insurers are also adding plans in new areas, so most Fresno seniors will still have many options.
A plan ending is not your fault, and you don't lose Medicare. You just need to choose what comes next.
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2) How to Know If Your Plan Is Ending
There are two different letters this time of year:
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): Your plan is continuing in 2027, with changes. See our guide: How to Read Your ANOC in 7 Minutes.
Non-renewal (termination) letter: Your plan is ending on December 31, 2026. This letter usually arrives in early October. It explains your options and deadlines.
Not sure which one you got?
Call the number on your member ID card and ask: "Is my plan continuing in 2027?"
Or look up your plan on Medicare Plan Finder (Medicare.gov/plan-compare) starting October 15.
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3) Your Deadlines to Choose New Coverage
October 15 – December 7, 2026 (Open Enrollment). Choose a new plan now and it starts January 1, 2027, with no gap. This is the best option.
December 8, 2026 – end of February 2027 (special enrollment period). If your plan is ending, you can still choose a new plan in this window. Coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll, so you may have a gap.
Our advice: Don't wait for the special window. Choosing before December 7 means:
No gap in coverage
No missed refills
More time to confirm your doctors and drugs
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4) What Happens If You Do Nothing
If your plan ends and you don't choose anything:
You'll be moved to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) on January 1, 2027.
You will have no drug coverage. That means:
You could pay full price at the pharmacy.
You may face a late enrollment penalty if you go 63 days or more without drug coverage.
You will have no Medigap unless you buy one.
You'll lose your plan's extra benefits, such as dental, vision and flex cards.
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5) Your Medigap Rights When a Plan Ends
When your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area or ends, federal law gives you a guaranteed-issue right to buy certain Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans:
No health questions, and you can't be denied or charged more for health conditions.
The right lasts until 63 days after your Medicare Advantage coverage ends. You can usually apply before your plan ends, too.
Keep your non-renewal letter. It may be needed as proof.
This is an important opportunity. Normally, Medigap insurers in California can ask health questions if you apply outside these special situations.
If you already have Medigap, remember California's Birthday Rule: a 60-day window each year, starting on your birthday, to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits.
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6) Step-by-Step: Choosing Your Next Plan
1. Find your letter and note your plan's end date.
2. Get an up-to-date medication list from your doctor's office.
3. Decide which path you want: a new Medicare Advantage plan, or Original Medicare +
Medigap + Part D.
4. Compare plans on Medicare Plan Finder starting October 15.
5. Call your doctors' offices to confirm they accept the new plan and medical group for 2027. Check your hospital too.
6. Check your pharmacy and any prior authorizations you rely on.
7. Get free, unbiased help from HICAP: (559) 224-9117 or 1-800-434-0222.
8. Enroll by December 7, 2026 for coverage starting January 1.
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7) Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose Medicare if my plan ends?
No. You keep Medicare. Only your private plan is ending.
Will I be enrolled in a new plan automatically?
Generally, no. If you don't choose, you'll be moved to Original Medicare without drug coverage.
Can I keep my doctor?
Possibly. Choose a new plan that includes your doctor and medical group, or choose Original Medicare if your doctor accepts it. Always confirm with the office.
What about my current prescriptions and approvals?
Many insurers have pledged to honor existing prior authorizations for 90 days after a plan switch. Confirm with your new plan, and make sure your drugs are on its 2027 list.
My plan is continuing but changing. Is this article for me?
Read our guide How to Read Your ANOC in 7 Minutes instead. It covers plans that are continuing with changes.
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Fresno CTA — The Modern Medicine Group
If your plan is ending, Open Enrollment is your chance to choose new coverage before December 7, with no gap in care.
Before choosing, make sure the new coverage supports your medications, specialists, chronic-condition care, and upcoming treatment.
The Modern Medicine Group helps Fresno seniors through plan changes with up-to-date medication lists, prior authorizations, affordable alternatives when drug coverage changes, and chronic-condition care. Call us to confirm whether a specific plan and medical group are accepted by our office.
Visit: 7053 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: 559-369-7787
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