A letter saying your Medicare Advantage plan will end deserves attention now. You have time to compare options for 2027, and free help is available if the choices feel difficult to sort out.
For Snohomish and Island county residents, the useful first question is whether the plan itself is ending or a doctor or hospital is leaving its network. The next steps and enrollment rights can differ.
Read the plan’s notice first
Keep the nonrenewal letter and your Annual Notice of Change. Note the plan name, last day of coverage and instructions for replacing it. If the issue is a provider leaving the network, ask the plan to confirm which services and locations are affected.
Washington’s insurance commissioner says at least one Medicare Advantage plan is available in every county for 2027. The choices at your address, their networks and their costs still need an individual check.
Use the fall enrollment window
Medicare’s annual open enrollment runs through Dec. 7, 2026. The plan must receive your enrollment request by that date for an open-enrollment change taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
For a contract that is not renewed, Medicare also lists a special enrollment period from Dec. 8 through the last day of February. It is important to arrange replacement coverage before the old plan ends, even when a later enrollment opportunity exists. Ask Medicare or a counselor to confirm your effective date.
That contract-nonrenewal period does not automatically apply when only a provider leaves the network. Medicare may assess other exceptional situations individually.
Compare care as well as premiums
- Enter your ZIP code and county in Medicare Plan Finder, and select 2027.
- Check your regular medicines, doses and preferred pharmacies. Compare estimated annual costs.
- Confirm your doctors and hospitals with both the plan and the providers for the exact 2027 network.
- Compare the premium, deductible, copays and maximum out-of-pocket costs, along with any referral or prior-approval requirements.
Another option is Original Medicare. You may need a separate Part D prescription plan and may want Medigap coverage to help with out-of-pocket costs. A plan-ending notice can affect your Medigap purchase rights, which have their own deadlines and limits. People under 65 with Medicare should ask specifically about their options.
Medicare says someone whose plan contract is not renewed will be enrolled in Original Medicare if they do not join another Medicare Advantage plan before the old plan ends. Review prescription coverage separately rather than assuming every former benefit carries over.
Where to get free help
Washington’s SHIBA program provides free, unbiased and confidential Medicare help. Call 1-800-562-6900, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Have your notice, medication list and provider list ready.
Help is also available online. OIC’s Medicare Open Enrollment guide includes planning tools and videos, with a link to its Medicare counseling sessions and events calendar. Check individual listings for dates and how to take part.
PEBB Medicare retirees: HCA’s PEBB plan-change deadline is Nov. 23, 2026. Use HCA’s retiree guidance before changing employer-sponsored coverage.
Guide updated Oct. 30, 2026; online help resources added Nov. 4, 2026. Sources: Washington OIC plan-ending guidance; Medicare open enrollment; Medicare special enrollment periods; HCA PEBB deadline.
