You got a letter about your Medicare plan leaving — now what?
If you’ve received a notice saying your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving your county or ZIP code in 2026, you’re not alone. These are called Service Area Reductions (SARs), and they’re happening across parts of the country this year.
The good news? You’re not losing Medicare. But you will need to take action — and there are key deadlines to protect your coverage and avoid gaps starting January 1.
Here’s what a SAR means, how to tell if you’re affected, and what your next steps should be.
What a Service Area Reduction (SAR) Is (and How It Differs from Contract Termination)
A Service Area Reduction happens when a Medicare Advantage carrier decides to stop offering a plan in certain areas — often specific ZIP codes, counties, or entire regions.
If your area is affected, your plan will end on December 31, 2025, and you’ll need to enroll in new coverage for 2026.
That’s different from a contract termination, which is when a carrier leaves Medicare entirely. A SAR is more targeted — it means your specific area no longer fits within the plan’s service region.
In both cases, you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to choose new coverage.
Who Is Affected and How Notices Arrive
If your plan is leaving your area, you’ll get one of two notices:
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An Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) if your plan will continue but with major changes in 2026, or
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A Service Area Reduction (SAR) or contract termination letter if your plan is ending completely where you live.
These letters usually arrive in September or early October and clearly say that your plan “will no longer be available” in your county or ZIP code.
Don’t ignore that letter — it includes your deadlines, options, and when your SEP starts.
Timeline & Enrollment Windows
Your enrollment timing depends on the type of notice you received:
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7
During the annual enrollment period anyone can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during this window.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for SAR
Usually starts December 8 and runs through the last day of February following the plan’s termination.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1–March 31
For people already enrolled in an MA plan who want to switch to a different one or return to Original Medicare.
If your plan is ending December 31, make your choice before the new year so your new coverage starts January 1 and you avoid a gap.
What are Your Options if Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Leaving?
When your plan ends, you’ve got two main paths:
1. Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan
If you like the MA structure — bundled medical and drug coverage, added extras, and predictable copays — you can switch to a new plan available in your county for 2026.
Just be sure to:
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Confirm your doctors and hospitals are in-network
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Review drug formulary changes (especially Tier 3–5 prescriptions)
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Check copays and MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket limit)
2. Move Back to Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
If you’d prefer more freedom and nationwide access to providers, you can switch back to Original Medicare and add a Medigap (Supplement) plan plus a standalone Part D drug plan.
Because your plan is ending, you’ll have a guaranteed issue right for Medigap — meaning no health questions, no denials, and no medical underwriting.
That protection only lasts during your SEP window, so don’t wait too long to decide.
Action Checklist: What to Review Before You Choose
Even if you’ve had the same plan for years, don’t assume the next one will work the same way. Every carrier updates its networks and costs annually. Before locking in your next plan, take time to review:
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Doctors: Are your preferred providers covered under your new plan’s network?
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Drugs: Will your prescriptions be covered — and at what cost tier?
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Budgets: Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays side-by-side.
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MOOP: Check each plan’s out-of-pocket limit — that’s your safety net.
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Prior authorizations: Some plans tighten approval rules for tests, imaging, and specialist visits.
FAQs
What is a Medicare Service Area Reduction (SAR)?
It’s when a Medicare Advantage plan stops being offered in certain areas — usually specific counties or ZIP codes — even if the carrier stays active elsewhere.
How do I know if I’m affected by a SAR?
You’ll receive a letter in the mail (usually September or October) stating your plan will no longer be available where you live in 2026.
Do I lose my Medicare if my plan is ending?
No. You’ll automatically return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) if you don’t choose a new plan — but you could lose drug and extra benefit coverage if you don’t act before your SEP ends.
When can I enroll in a new plan?
If your plan ends December 31, your Special Enrollment Period runs from December 8 through the end of February. Enroll early to avoid coverage gaps.
Can I buy a Medigap plan without health questions if my plan ends?
Yes. You’ll have a guaranteed issue right to buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting — but only during your SEP window.
What’s the best way to compare my options?
Start with your doctors and medications, then compare premiums, copays, and MOOP limits. A licensed Brickhouse advisor can walk you through side-by-side comparisons for both MA and Medigap paths.
How Brickhouse Helps with Medicare Advantage & Medigap Guidance
If your plan is being discontinued, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Brickhouse advisors can:
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Help you compare 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in your county
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Explain your Medigap and Part D options if you’re moving back to Original Medicare
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Make sure your doctors, prescriptions, and costs line up with your needs and budget
If you’re sticking with Original Medicare and just need a drug plan, Medicare.gov is a great tool to compare standalone Part D plans directly.
Talk through your SAR options with Brickhouse — and get personalized guidance before deadlines hit.
