If you opened your mail and found a notice that your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is changing or ending for 2026, take a breath: this is more common than people realize, and you have clear rights and options. Every year, Medicare Advantage carriers adjust which plans they offer in which areas, and when a plan leaves, Medicare gives you a special window to choose new coverage. Here is what to do.
Why Plans Change Each Year
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers under yearly contracts with Medicare. Each year carriers, including Aetna and others, decide which plans to keep, change, or discontinue in each county based on costs and strategy. So a plan being discontinued in your area is a normal business decision, not a reflection of your coverage or a mistake on your part.
How You Find Out
There are two documents to watch for in the fall:
- Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) — sent by your plan, it describes next year's benefits, costs, and network changes. Read it even if your plan continues.
- Non-renewal notice — if your plan is leaving your area entirely, you get a separate notice telling you your plan will not be offered next year.
Our guide on the plan exit letter walks through exactly what that notice means.
What a Discontinuation Means
If your plan is not renewed, your coverage under it ends on December 31. Importantly, you do not lose Medicare. You keep your Medicare eligibility and simply need to choose new coverage for the coming year, either another Medicare Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare.
Your Special Enrollment Period
A plan non-renewal gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). In addition to the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), you generally get an SEP that runs from December 8 through the end of February to pick a new plan. That extra time exists specifically to protect people whose plans are ending.
Your Plan Is Ending? Compare Replacements Now
If your Aetna or any Medicare Advantage plan is ending, you have a special window to switch. Answer 6 quick questions and a licensed advisor can compare the plans available where you live, at no cost.
Check My EligibilitySteps to Take Now
- Read the notice and confirm whether your plan is ending or just changing.
- List your doctors and medications so you can check them against new plans.
- Compare the plans available in your county for the coming year, on benefits, network, and drug coverage, not just premium.
- Enroll before your window closes so your new coverage starts January 1 with no gap.
Your Options
You have two broad paths: choose another Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D drug plan (and possibly a Medigap policy). A plan ending can actually be a good moment to step back and compare both paths, our Medicare Advantage vs Medigap guide can help. If you would like a licensed advisor to compare the specific replacement plans available where you live, that help is free.