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
Sharp Health Plan is discontinuing its individual Medicare Advantage plans at the end of 2026, including Sharp Direct Advantage Gold, Platinum, VIP, and VIP Plus. If you are enrolled in one of these plans, you will need to review your replacement coverage options. The good news is that losing your Sharp Direct Advantage plan does not necessarily mean losing your Sharp doctors. HealthyMarks can help you identify coverage options and verify access to the doctors you want to keep.
Aetna and Humana PPO cancellations affect patients receiving care at Scripps
Aetna’s individual Medicare Advantage PPO plans and the HumanaChoice PPO plan offered in San Diego County are being discontinued for 2027. These changes are particularly important for members who have relied on grandfathered PPO Advantage Plans to receive care from Scripps doctors. If you want to continue receiving care at Scripps Clinic or Scripps Coastal Medical Center, we can help you review a Medicare Supplement and a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Scripps accepts Original Medicare, and a Supplement helps cover costs that Original Medicare leaves you to pay.
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.
Have Questions? Give us a call!
Our licensed and professional Medicare enrollment support team in San Diego are available to discuss your health care plan options for FREE. Call Keaton & Alexa Marks: (760) 484-0979
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.
Keaton Marks is the owner and CEO at HealthyMarks including the medicare team. Keaton was born and raised in Encinitas. He often rode his bike through town and to the local beaches like Moonlight. Keaton knows it is important to have a local resource, someone who understands the area, the hospitals and networks of doctors. Keaton is proud to be a local Medicare broker who is able to assist the people in his town when selecting medicare plans.
Keaton believes one thing above all else: “Medicare is confusing… but it doesn’t have to be! That is where HealthyMarks Medicare comes in” Please contact me with any questions.