Medicare 2026

Many people in our community have received letters from their insurance companies about changes to their Medicare Advantage plans for 2026. Several Medicare Advantage insurers have announced they will no longer offer plans in New Hampshire and Vermont starting in 2026. These are business decisions made by the insurance carriers, not by our team. They affect hospital systems across the region, not just ours. We know these changes can be frustrating, especially if you want to keep seeing your Dartmouth Health care team — we want to continue seeing you as well. 

What’s Changing

Beginning January 1, 2026, New Hampshire will see significant changes in the Medicare Advantage marketplace.

In total, these changes will affect roughly 77,000 New Hampshire residents. If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s possible your plan may be discontinued or your coverage options reduced.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 for plans beginning January 1. If your plan is discontinued, you have until early February to choose a new one, but you would be without coverage starting January 1 until your new plan takes effect.

What should you do? 

First, read any letters or notices from your insurance company. Second, visit Medicare.gov to compare plans and make an open enrollment choice by December 7. For additional help with Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY: 1-877-486-2048. New Hampshire residents can also call the New Hampshire Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Unit at 1-800-852-3416 or email [email protected]. Vermont residents can call the Vermont State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-642-5119. 

About Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plans are private insurance plans approved by Medicare. They replace traditional Medicare coverage with a managed-care model that may include extra benefits—such as dental, vision, or fitness programs—and sometimes offer low or zero monthly premiums. However, these plans often have smaller provider networks and require prior authorization for certain treatments.

Why Many Are Considering Traditional Medicare

As your community hospital, we see firsthand how important stable, reliable coverage is for patients. This may be an ideal time to revisit traditional Medicare, which offers several advantages:

• Freedom to choose your doctors. Any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare will see you.
• Fewer barriers to care. No prior authorizations or delays for medically necessary treatment.
• Coverage that travels with you. Whether you’re visiting family or wintering in another state, your coverage stays the same.
• Clear, predictable benefits. Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor visits, Part D covers prescriptions, and a Medigap policy can fill the gaps.
• Long-term stability. Traditional Medicare is a federal program that won’t suddenly leave your area.

While traditional Medicare usually involves monthly premiums for supplemental and drug coverage, many people find that what they gain—freedom, certainty, and stability—is well worth it.

In addition to traditional Medicare, we know there are two Medicare Aidvantage Plan options for Sullivan County: Wellsense Health Plans and Humana. Humana has certain limitations that may affect billing for the following services at Valley including: pathology, radiology, and more. You may also contact Aging & Disability Resource Center at 1-866-634-9412 for more information.