Medicare Advantage Shake-Up: How Health Insurance Plans Could Change For Up To 44,000 New Hampshire Seniors In 2025

As we enter the health care enrollment period, major changes to Medicare Advantage plans are taking place and people across the country, particularly in states like New Hampshire, should be aware of how these changes will impact them. 

In 2025, nearly 44,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in New Hampshire will face significant changes to their health insurance plans. This shift will affect many seniors' access to care. Due to rising health care costs and financial pressure on insurance providers, several companies are modifying or discontinuing Medicare Advantage offerings. 

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According to WMUR9, New Hampshire's ABC affiliate, some companies are cutting back on Medicare Advantage coverage in the state. Anthem, Martin's Point, United Healthcare and WellSense will continue to offer their Medicare plans with no changes. AETNA is reducing its product offerings and availability. Humana will retain some offerings but with reducee availability in certain areas. Harvard Pilgrim and WellCare will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. 

New Hampshire isn't the only state being affected. WellCare is also discontinuing its Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. This change alone will impact 40,000 beneficiaries across these states. 

Jessica Dunn, a certified Medicare agent, told WMUR9, "People are kind of shocked and they’re almost like paralyzed by it." She also emphasized the importance of staying informed as these changes take place.

D.J. Bettencourt, New Hampshire's insurance commissioner, acknowledged the financial strain on insurers and told WMUR9, "The federal government’s financial support of the Medicare program and specifically Medicare advantage, is not keeping up with medical inflation." 

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So, what options do you have for those impacted by these changes? 

Here are a few steps that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries should consider as they navigate the enrollment period and possible changes to their health care plans: 

1. Review available plans carefully: If your current plan is discontinued or modified, review other Medicare Advantage plans that may be available in your area. While premiums and benefits will vary, you may still be able to find the coverage you need through another provider. 
2. Consider traditional Medicare: For some seniors, switching back to traditional Medicare might make sense. Another viable alternative could be a supplemental Medigap plan. Traditional Medicare can provide a broader network of providers and more stable coverage options, though it may be more expensive depending on your needs. 
3. Decide before enrollment deadlines: Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025. If you're going to change your plan, be sure to make a decision on your 2025 health care before the enrollment period ends. 
4. Talk to a licensed insurance agent: Dunn said the best advice she can give is encouraging people to speak with an agent who can answer their questions and help them find the best insurance for their unique situation. A licensed Medicare agent and organizations like the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are both good places to start. 

This might all feel daunting, but there are steps you can take to prepare for these unexpected changes. Most importantly, stay informed and consider your options as you plan for your health care coverage in the new year. 

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