UnitedHealthcare is shaking things up in 2025!
And if you’re on Medicare, this could affect you.
What does this mean for you? Some Medicare Advantage Plans are being discontinued. Big names like Aetna and Humana are also making similar moves to stay financially sustainable in this rapidly evolving market.
If you’re enrolled in one of these plans, it’s crucial to stick with the advice below to prepare for the changes coming your way.
Why is this happening?
A key factor is recent Medicare regulation changes, including the redesigned Medicare Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Combined with lower benchmark rates, rising healthcare costs, and shifting market conditions, companies like UnitedHealthcare are being forced to make tough decisions.
Who Is Affected? How Do You Find Out If You Are Affected?
UnitedHealthcare will notify members enrolled in plans that are set to be discontinued.
If your plan is affected, you will receive a non-renewal notice by the end of September 2024 as part of your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document will explain whether your specific plan will be discontinued in 2025 and provide instructions on what to do next.
If you’re unsure whether your plan is affected, you can contact UnitedHealthcare directly or speak with a licensed insurance agent to help you review your options. You can also contact us at PlanFit here; a licensed insurance agent will assist you at no cost to you.
4 Steps to Take If Your UnitedHealthcare Plan Ends in 2025
If your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued, here are four steps you can take to ensure continuous coverage:
Step 1: Confirm If Your Plan Is Ending
Review the non-renewal notice you received from UnitedHealthcare, or check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for updates about your plan. If you haven’t received a notice, contact UnitedHealthcare or your licensed insurance agent to enquire.
Step 2: Explore New Plans During the Annual Enrollment Period
If your Medicare Advantage Plan is ending, you technically have until February 28 to choose a new one. However, most licensed insurance agents typically recommend enrolling by December 31 to avoid any gaps in your health coverage.
For the majority of people, the best time to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan is during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. Any changes you make during this time will kick in on January 1 of the next year.
But if your plan is shutting down next year, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This starts on December 8 and runs until the end of February.
If you switch plans during the Special Enrollment Period, your new coverage will typically start the first day of the next month. That’s why agents suggest enrolling before January—if you wait past December 31, you might be left without full coverage for a few weeks.
Step 3: Consider Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
If your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, you may qualify to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.
These plans can help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments and deductibles. You may be eligible to enroll without medical underwriting during this period, making it easier to secure coverage.
Step 4: Get Help from a Licensed Insurance Agent
Navigating these changes can be confusing, but a licensed insurance agent can help guide you through the process and assist you in finding a plan that fits your needs.
Licensed insurance agents can provide unbiased advice, and you can get their services at no cost to you! So, if you need help in these confusing times, feel free to call or text PlanFit at +1 877-360-6565 (TTY: 771), and a licensed insurance agent will be glad to assist you.
Bonus Tip: Special Enrollment Period
If your UnitedHealthcare plan is discontinued, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to enroll in a new plan from December 8, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
However, most people secure new coverage by the end of the Annual Enrollment Period to avoid any coverage gaps.
Conclusion
While UnitedHealthcare’s decision to exit certain Medicare Advantage markets may affect your coverage, staying informed and acting during the enrollment periods will ensure that you continue to receive the care you need.
If you need help understanding your options or choosing a new plan, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed insurance agent for personalized support.
If you need assistance comparing plans and finding the right one for you, you can contact one of our licensed insurance agents here at PlanFit for help at any time!