Medicare Open Enrollment, also called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7, 2026. During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change your Part D prescription drug plan, or move between Advantage or Supplement Plans. Changes made during this enrollment period take effect January 1, 2027. Even if you have been happy with your coverage, this is a good time to check whether your plan will continue to meet your needs next year.

Major Changes Coming in 2027

This year’s enrollment period is especially important for San Diego residents. Several Medicare Advantage plans are being discontinued, meaning affected members will need to choose new coverage for 2027. If keeping your current doctors is a priority, understanding these changes before enrolling can help you avoid an unexpected disruption in your care.

Sharp Direct Advantage Plans Are Ending January 1 2027

Sharp Direct Advantage Changes for 2027

Sharp Health Plan is discontinuing its individual Sharp Direct Advantage 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 2027. Your plan ending does not necessarily mean you have to leave your Sharp doctors. UnitedHealthcare offers Sharp-network Medicare Advantage options to consider. Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement policy may also be an option. HealthyMarks Medicare can help you sign up for a new Sharp Medicare Plan.

Keep your plan’s notice of non-renewal. When a Medicare Advantage plan ends, affected members may have special enrollment opportunities and guaranteed-issue rights to purchase certain Medicare Supplement policies without medical underwriting. HealthyMarks can help you understand the choices and deadlines that apply to you.

Medicare Plans and Accessing UCSD in 2027

UCSD is very specific about what plans they accept and how you can access UCSD facilities on Medicare plans. 

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans remain an option for accessing UCSD primary care doctors, specialists, and hospitals. UCSD accepts Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans.

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a more limited route to UCSD. SCAN Select uses affiliated primary care providers, including Perlman Clinic and One Medical. Certain SCAN, Blue Shield 65 Plus, and Anthem HMO arrangements offer UCSD specialty care with required referrals and authorizations, rather than direct UCSD primary care access. In those cases, UCSD will still provide specialty care or hospital-level services if you follow the network rules (referrals, authorizations) and choose the right PCP arrangement.

Scripps Only Accepts Medicare Supplement Plans in 2027

Effective January 1, 2024, Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Groups stopped accepting Medicare Advantage HMO plans. Some patients have continued seeing their Scripps doctors through Medicare Advantage PPO out-of-network benefits, but these plans are being discontinued in 2027. If keeping your Scripps doctors is a priority, Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement plan is an option to consider. HealthyMarks can help you review your coverage and prepare for January 1.

Here are some of the Medicare Advantage plans being discontinued in San Diego County for 2027:

• Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
• Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO)
• Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
• Alignment Health Advantage (PPO)
• Alignment Health Freedom (PPO)
• HumanaChoice H5525-077 (PPO)

If you are enrolled in one of these plans, you will need to choose new coverage for January 1, 2027.

How Do I Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment?

Start by reviewing your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and any notice explaining that your coverage is ending. Gather a list of your doctors, prescriptions, dosages, and preferred pharmacy so we can compare your options accurately. If you are considering a Medicare Supplement, ask about your eligibility and any guaranteed-issue rights associated with your plan ending. AEP alone does not guarantee acceptance into a Supplement Plan. Once you enroll, confirm your January 1 effective date, watch for your new insurance cards, and share your updated coverage with your providers and pharmacy.

 

 

HealthyMarks Can Help

You do not have to sort through these changes on your own. At HealthyMarks, we help San Diego Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, compare coverage, and check access to the doctors and prescriptions that matter most. Whether your plan is ending or you simply want to make sure you are ready for 2027, we are here to help. Contact HealthyMarks to schedule your Medicare coverage review during Open Enrollment.