If you have a Sharp Direct Advantage Medicare plan, there is an important change coming for 2027. Sharp Health Plan is discontinuing its individual Medicare Advantage plans at the end of 2026, including:

• Sharp Direct Advantage Gold (HMO)
• Sharp Direct Advantage Platinum (HMO)
• Sharp Direct Advantage VIP (HMO)
• Sharp Direct Advantage VIP Plus (HMO)

If you are enrolled in one of these plans, you will need to choose new coverage for next year. The good news is that you still have options to continue receiving care from your Sharp doctors.

If I Am Currently On Sharp Direct Advantage, What Are My Options?

You still have options to continue seeing your Sharp doctors. UnitedHealthcare® is a good option to consider, with Medicare Advantage plans and Supplement plans accepted at Sharp. As of now, UnitedHealthcare®’s plans are the only Medicare Advantage options we know of that will provide access to Sharp in 2027. You can also consider Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement plan, which can help cover your care with Sharp providers who accept Medicare. At HealthyMarks, we can help you compare both options and confirm coverage for your specific doctors.

An Opportunity to Consider a Medicare Supplement

The cancellation also gives affected members a Special Enrollment Period to choose new Medicare coverage.

If you have been considering returning to Original Medicare and purchasing a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) this is an important opportunity. Losing your Medicare Advantage plan can give you guaranteed-issue rights to certain Supplement plans, allowing you to enroll without medical underwriting, even if you have existing health conditions.

Medicare Supplement Plans can provide access to participating providers at Sharp, Scripps, and UC San Diego Health.

What Does This Mean for Sharp Medicare Patients?

This change does not mean you have to leave your Sharp doctors or start over with your medical care. You can continue receiving care at Sharp by selecting a new Medicare Advantage plan through UnitedHealthcare® or choosing Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan. Your doctors can continue managing your treatment, although referrals and prior authorizations may need to be reviewed under your new coverage. If you are enrolled in one of the discontinued Sharp Direct Advantage plans, you will need to select replacement coverage for 2027. HealthyMarks can help you confirm your doctors and coordinate the transition so you can continue your care with confidence.

Use Medicare’s Enrollment Windows Wisely

Medicare’s Annual Election Period runs from October 15 through December 7. If your Sharp Direct Advantage plan is being discontinued, use this time to select replacement coverage beginning January 1, 2027.

The cancellation also qualifies affected members for a Special Enrollment Period and may provide guaranteed-issue rights to certain Medicare Supplement plans. These opportunities have specific deadlines, so review your options before your current coverage ends.

• Compare Medicare Advantage plans accepted by Sharp.
  UnitedHealthcare® offers options. Confirm that your specific Sharp doctors, medical group, and prescriptions are covered before enrolling.
• Consider Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan.
  This option allows you to receive care from Sharp providers who accept Medicare. We can help you review your guaranteed-issue rights, compare premiums, and choose separate Part D prescription coverage.
• Talk to a San Diego Medicare team like HealthyMarks.
  We can help you understand your options and coordinate coverage for your doctors and ongoing treatment.

Why Work With HealthyMarks Medicare?

At HealthyMarks, we help Medicare beneficiaries navigate changes like this. We can help you:

• Compare Medicare Advantage options accepted by Sharp.
• Evaluate the costs and benefits of Original Medicare with a Supplement.
• Verify coverage for your Sharp doctors, specialists, and prescriptions.
• Review referrals and prior authorizations that may need updating.
• Understand enrollment deadlines and arrange replacement coverage for 2027.

You have options to continue your care at Sharp. Reach out to HealthyMarks for help choosing your next plan and making the transition as smooth as possible.