Regence BlueShield of Idaho has announced it will discontinue all Medicare Advantage plans in Idaho for 2026, affecting approximately 6,570 beneficiaries across the state.
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Happening
Regence BlueShield of Idaho will completely exit the Medicare Advantage market starting in 2026. The Cambia Health Solutions subsidiary previously offered affordable plans ranging from $22 to $100 per month in counties including Nez Perce, Asotin, and Latah.
Coverage for current Medicare Advantage members will end December 31, 2025. Members will need to select new coverage during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th through December 7th, with new coverage beginning January 1st.
According to enrollment data, approximately 6,570 Medicare Advantage members across Idaho will be affected by this market exit.
Why It Matters
The loss of affordable Medicare Advantage plans will hit seniors on fixed incomes particularly hard. Most affected members will need to switch to Medicare Supplement plans that cost around $200 per month—nearly ten times what some were paying for Medicare Advantage coverage.
“Our big concern is all these people on social security, on a fixed income. Going from $22 [for Medicare Advantage] to $200 [for a Medicare Supplement plan],” said Tim Gleason, an agent with American Insurance. “That’s gonna be a major hit.”
Regence BlueShield of Idaho joins a growing list of insurers exiting Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Samaritan Health Plans, and UCare.
Insurance brokers cite financial pressures as the primary reason for the exits:
- Unsustainable financial losses that made continuing operations impossible
- Inflationary pressures that dramatically increased healthcare costs
- Legal restrictions preventing insurers from raising rates high enough to cover expenses
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans often bundle:
- Hospital coverage (Part A)
- Medical coverage (Part B)
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Potential additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing
With Medicare Advantage, your coverage is administered by a private insurer rather than directly through the government. These companies receive payments from Medicare to provide your benefits.
It’s important to know that most Medicare Advantage plans operate with networks of doctors and hospitals, and some may require referrals to see specialists. However, they can offer lower monthly premiums and additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t include.
Medicare Advantage has grown significantly in popularity, with over 32 million beneficiaries enrolled in 2024, making up roughly 54% of all Medicare participants.
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