Medicare Advantage Updates

Every fall, patients who are Medicare eligible can shop for Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. This Annual Enrollment Period generally begins mid-October and ends the first week of December. The Annual Enrollment Period for 2026 Medicare plans took place October 15 – December 7, 2025.

There is also an Open Enrollment Period that gives Medicare patients a second chance to enroll in a new plan if they missed the fall annual enrollment period, or if they are not happy with the plan they chose for any reason. The Open Enrollment Period takes place January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. During this time, you may change plans once. To change your 2026 plan during Open Enrollment starting January 1, 2026, contact your broker or visit Medicare.gov.

If you missed the opportunity to shop for and choose a new plan during the fall Annual Enrollment Period that took place October 15 – December 7, 2025, you will have another chance to change plans during the Open Enrollment Period starting January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026.

To change your 2026 Medicare plan during Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31, 2026), contact your broker or visit Medicare.gov. 

If you chose a new Medicare Advantage plan during the fall Annual Enrollment Period but aren’t happy with your new plan for any reason – like your out-of-pocket costs are not what you expected, or the network doesn’t include access to the providers you want – you can still choose a new plan.

There is another enrollment opportunity during the Open Enrollment Period which gives you a chance to change plans once between January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026. To change your 2026 plan during Open Enrollment, contact your broker or visit Medicare.gov.
 

For additional information, visit our 2026 annual enrollment page.

Yes. Patients impacted by this change were notified last fall. In 2026, NKC Health will no longer accept Cigna Medicare Advantage plans (effective January 1, 2026) and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans (Optum/AARP) (effective April 1, 2026).

Yes. If you want the same access to your NKC Health providers, we recommend you talk with your broker or visit the cms.gov during the Open Enrollment period, January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026.

This change was made with significant consideration and evaluation. By accepting select Medicare Advantage plans, we can ensure the plans we partner with truly support better outcomes, reduce unnecessary barriers and align with our mission of exceptional care.

A growing number of people in our communities are reaching Medicare age. This makes it even more important for us to have a sustainable, coordinated approach for safe, seamless personal care our patients deserve and our clinicians want to deliver. By focusing on a smaller number of Medicare Advantage partners, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our patients. The partner plans we select share our commitment to providing an exceptional, personalized patient experience and rewarding providers who help patients improve their health, manage their chronic diseases, and live healthier lives.
 

Your existing 2025 Medicare Advantage plan will not be affected by this change, and you can continue to see your NKC Health providers. You may need to select a new plan for 2026 to continue your care with NKC Health. To select a new plan, contact your broker or visit the Medicare.gov. 

No. As the number of Medicare patients participating in Medicare Advantage plans increases—alongside the growing variety of MA plans and products offered—healthcare providers nationwide face challenges. Medicare Advantage was once considered a reliable coverage option. Over time, denials, pre-authorization requirements, and administrative delays have created obstacles for patients. NKC Health continually evaluates all Medicare Advantage plans to ensure alignment with its mission of providing patients access to exceptional care.

This change was made with significant consideration and evaluation. By accepting select Medicare Advantage plans, we can ensure that the plans we partner with truly support better outcomes, reduce unnecessary barriers and align with our mission of exceptional care.

Original or traditional Medicare is healthcare operated and funded by the federal government. It is a health insurance program for ages 65 or older, or for younger people with certain medical conditions or disabilities who qualify under government rules. Typically, traditional Medicare pays approximately 80% of covered healthcare costs and patients pay the remaining 20%. Traditional Medicare does not cover most prescription drug costs or vision, dental, hearing, or long-term nursing home health needs.

Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved plans from private companies offering an alternative to traditional Medicare for health and drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare-covered services and may include benefits not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and alternative care. Medicare Advantage plans work to limit out-of-pocket costs while providing access to other essential health and wellness benefits.
 

If you missed the fall Annual Enrollment Period, which ended December 7, 2025, there is an Open Enrollment Period that gives Medicare patients a second chance to change plans. The Open Enrollment Period takes place January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. During this time, you may change plans once. To change your 2026 plan during Open Enrollment starting January 1, 2026, contact your broker or visit Medicare.gov.

Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan we accept or traditional Medicare will help you avoid higher out-of-pocket costs and ensure continued access to your preferred providers.

Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is a personal decision, and each patient needs to assess their unique health needs. To explore Medicare Advantage insurance options that NKC Health accepts:

• Talk to your broker about your options during the Open Enrollment Period starting January 1, 2026. Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan we accept or traditional Medicare will help you avoid higher out-of-pocket costs and ensure continued access to your preferred providers. NKC Health will accept the following plans in 2026:
  • Humana Medicare Advantage
  • Traditional Medicare
  • Medicare Supplement Plans
     

For more information, please continue to visit our 2026 annual enrollment page or call our dedicated contact center at (833) 354-4422.

Yes. NKC Health will always be available to address emergency healthcare needs regardless of insurance.
 

Yes. You can call (833) 354-4422 if you have questions about the UnitedHealthcare or Cigna network change, or to be directed to a licensed insurance representative who can help you determine which plan is right for you.