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Enrollment & timing

If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Closing for 2027, Federal Rules Give You a Special Window to Find New Coverage

Beneficiaries whose plans exit the market before 2027 receive a Special Enrollment Period, and those who want to return to traditional Medicare have guaranteed access to Medigap coverage without medical screening.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamJuly 19, 2026

A KFF analysis released July 14 found that about 2.6 million Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees are in plans scheduled to terminate before 2027. Federal rules provide those beneficiaries with specific protections that go beyond a simple plan-switch window.

Under Medicare regulations, enrollees whose plan exits the market receive a Special Enrollment Period allowing them to choose a new Medicare Advantage plan in their area or return to Original Medicare, which covers hospital care under Part A and outpatient services under Part B.

Your Medicare Advantage plan is closing for 2027. Here is what federal rules let you do, including a 63-day Medigap window most people do not know about.

Beneficiaries who return to Original Medicare and want a Medigap supplement policy to help cover deductibles and coinsurance also have guaranteed issue rights. For 63 days after the plan's termination date, a Medigap insurer must accept them regardless of health status and cannot charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Outside of guaranteed-issue windows, Medigap applicants in most states face medical underwriting and can be denied coverage or charged higher premiums.

Enrollees who take no action when their plan closes are automatically returned to Original Medicare. Terminating plans are required to notify affected members in advance. CMS encourages beneficiaries to use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to compare options before January 1, 2027. The Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, 2026, also allows anyone with Medicare to switch plans for 2027.

In plain words

About 2.6 million people are in Medicare Advantage plans that will close before 2027. If your plan closes, you have options. The government gives you extra time to find a new plan. You can pick a different Medicare Advantage plan, or you can go back to regular Medicare. If you go back to regular Medicare and want a Medigap plan, insurance companies must accept you no matter your health for 63 days after your plan ends. If you do nothing, regular Medicare will cover you automatically. Your plan will send you a notice. Check medicare.gov to compare other plans.

Understand the basics first

Source: CMS
Read at the source →

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