Medicare Advantage Plans in Lindenhurst, NY: Your Honest 2026 Local Guide

By Paul Barrett, CMIP | The Modern Medicare Agency | Melville, NY 18+ years Medicare-exclusive experience | Licensed in 37 states | 40+ carriers Last updated: July 2026
If you live in Lindenhurst and you’re trying to figure out Medicare Advantage for 2026, here is the question that matters most — before you look at a single premium, a single copay, or a single TV commercial

When something serious happens, which hospital are you going to?

Lindenhurst is in a unique position on Long Island’s South Shore. You sit almost exactly between two major hospital systems that operate completely separate networks. Good Samaritan University Hospital Medical Center in West Islip — part of the Catholic Health system — is minutes to your west. South Shore University Hospital (Southside Hospital) in Bay Shore — part of Northwell Health — is minutes to your east.
Some Lindenhurst residents use Catholic Health exclusively. Others rely on Northwell. Many use both — a primary care physician at one system and a specialist at another. And in 2026, which system your doctors belong to has become more important than ever, because two of the major Medicare Advantage carriers have lost their Northwell network contracts — and many Lindenhurst residents don’t know it yet.
I’ve been helping South Shore Suffolk residents navigate Medicare from my Melville office — just minutes away — for 18 years. This guide tells you what Connie Health and Medicare.org can’t: the local hospital intelligence, the honest carrier assessments, and the specific 2026 network alerts that could affect your care.

2026 Medicare Advantage Fast Facts for Lindenhurst (ZIP 11757)

Fact 2026 Figure
Total plans available 27
Plans with $0 monthly premium 13
Average out-of-pocket maximum $8,722/year
Average Part D Rx deductible $505.23/year
Plans rated 4 stars or higher 33% (9 of 27)
Plan types available HMO, PPO, HMO-POS
Carriers offering plans 8
Suffolk County total MA enrollment 54,514 beneficiaries
Suffolk County MA enrollment rate ~29.8% of eligible
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage Enrollment Data / Medicare.org Suffolk County, March 2026

Top 3 Plans by Enrollment in Suffolk County (March 2026):

  1. Aetna Medicare Elite PPO — 24,441 enrollees
  2. HumanaChoice PPO — 4,496 enrollees
  3. Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO — 3,959 enrollees

The Two Hospital Systems That Define Medicare in Lindenhurst

Before comparing a single carrier or premium, Lindenhurst residents need to understand their local healthcare geography — because it determines which plans actually serve you.
Good Samaritan University Hospital Medical Center (1000 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, NY 11795 — approximately 3 miles west)
Good Samaritan is Lindenhurst’s primary hospital to the west and a cornerstone of the Catholic Health system on Long Island’s South Shore. With 537 beds, it has served the South Shore community for more than 50 years. The hospital’s 2026 national recognition is genuinely impressive:
  • Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery — 2026
  • Healthgrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award — 2 consecutive years (2025–2026), placing it in the Top 5% nationally for cardiac surgery
  • Healthgrades Five-Star for Valve Surgery — 3 consecutive years (2024–2026)
  • First Verified Level I Adult Trauma Center on the South Shore and the only Verified Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the area
  • The only Comprehensive Stroke Center on the South Shore of Long Island — the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center
  • Magnet nursing recognition for excellence in patient care
  • U.S. News High Performing in Heart Bypass Surgery and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) (2025-2026)
The St. Francis Heart Center at Good Samaritan — affiliated with St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center in Roslyn — brings specialized cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology services directly to the South Shore. For many Lindenhurst residents, Good Sam is where their primary care physician has admitting privileges and where they would go in a cardiac or trauma emergency.
Catholic Health also operates St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage and Mercy Medical Center in Uniondale — relevant for Lindenhurst residents who see specialists across the Catholic Health system.
South Shore University Hospital (Southside Hospital) (301 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706 — approximately 5 miles east)
South Shore University Hospital is the primary Northwell Health facility serving Lindenhurst’s eastern corridor — and one of the most decorated cardiac hospitals on Long Island. With 341 beds, the hospital’s recognition is extensive:
  • Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery — 9 consecutive years (2018–2026) — the only hospital in Suffolk County to receive this designation
  • Ranked No. 2 in New York State for cardiac surgery by Healthgrades
  • America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care — 4 consecutive years (2022–2025)
  • America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention — 4 consecutive years (2022–2025)
  • Accredited Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons
  • U.S. News High Performing in 17 conditions and procedures (2025–2026)
  • Highest cardiac surgery success rates in the country according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) — their highest three-star rating
Northwell also operates a GoHealth Urgent Care location directly in Lindenhurst — meaning some residents already have Northwell relationships within their own ZIP code. If you use this facility for urgent care, the Northwell network warnings below apply to you directly.

Why this dual-system landscape matters for your plan choice:

An HMO plan that covers Catholic Health but not Northwell — or vice versa — leaves half your local healthcare ecosystem out of network. This is especially important in 2026, when two major carriers have terminated their Northwell contracts. I verify every Lindenhurst client’s specific providers before recommending any plan.

2026 Network Alerts: What Every Lindenhurst Resident Needs to Know

❌ WELLCARE — Northwell Out of Network as of July 1, 2026

Wellcare chose not to renew its contract with Northwell Health. Effective July 1, 2026, South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, the Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Lindenhurst, and all Northwell physician groups and ancillary facilities are out-of-network for Wellcare Medicare Advantage members.
This is not a future risk — it took effect this month.
Established Wellcare patients may continue Northwell care through August 29, 2026 — but only with Wellcare’s authorization for each service. This is not automatic. You must call Wellcare before any Northwell appointment.
After August 29, non-emergency Northwell care is fully out-of-network for Wellcare members. Emergency services remain covered at in-network rates at all times by federal law.
If you are on Wellcare and see any Northwell provider — call me immediately: 631-358-5793.

❌ HEALTHSPRING (formerly Cigna Medicare) — Northwell Out of Network Since January 1, 2026

HealthSpring terminated its entire relationship with Northwell Health effective December 31, 2025. As a licensed broker partner, I received direct written notification from HealthSpring confirming:
“Despite negotiations in good faith, Northwell Health will be leaving our Medicare Advantage network in New York effective December 31, 2025. This termination includes all Northwell Health hospitals, ancillaries, and provider groups, as well as their clinically integrated network.” 
If you are on a HealthSpring plan and have used any Northwell provider in 2026 — including South Shore University Hospital or the Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Lindenhurst — those services have been processed at out-of-network rates since January 1.
Important note for both carriers: Neither Wellcare nor HealthSpring has publicly disclosed network issues with Catholic Health/Good Samaritan University Hospital. If your care is exclusively within the Catholic Health system, these warnings may not directly affect your day-to-day coverage. But verify your specific providers before assuming. 

Paul's Take: Honest Carrier Assessment for Lindenhurst 2026

AETNA — The most enrolled Medicare Advantage plan in all of Suffolk County and the strongest broad-access option for Lindenhurst residents. Aetna’s Medicare Elite PPO structure means you can see providers at both Good Samaritan (Catholic Health) and South Shore University Hospital (Northwell) without a referral or network penalty — a genuine advantage in a community that sits between two systems. Aetna has maintained stable network relationships with both major South Shore systems. For a Lindenhurst resident who splits care between Catholic Health and Northwell, Aetna PPO is almost always the first plan I look at. 4.5-star CMS rating. Most enrolled plan in Suffolk by a wide margin at 24,441 members.
ANTHEM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD — Anthem carries the only 5-star CMS-rated plans available to standard enrollees in Suffolk County for 2026, specifically their Medicare Advantage 3 HMO-POS. Strong carrier with a generally solid Suffolk County network. For Lindenhurst residents whose care is consolidated within one system, Anthem’s HMO-POS can work well at a competitive premium. For those who split between Catholic Health and Northwell, the HMO-POS structure requires more careful network verification than a PPO.
UNITEDHEALTHCARE (AARP branded) — UHC’s AARP HMO-POS is the most recognized brand in Medicare nationally. However, for 2026 Lindenhurst residents specifically, several caveats apply. UHC removed their Regional PPO plans from Suffolk County — eliminating the broadest-access plan type they previously offered. Their remaining HMO-POS is in enrollment management mode: agent compensation has been suspended and online enrollment made more difficult, signaling UHC is not actively seeking growth in this plan. UHC’s network depth in South Shore Suffolk County is thinner than their national reputation suggests. Verify every specific provider — not just the hospital system name — before assuming coverage.
WELLCARE — As detailed above, Wellcare lost its Northwell contract effective July 1, 2026. For Lindenhurst residents whose care is entirely within Catholic Health and who have no Northwell providers whatsoever, the direct daily impact may be limited. However, the Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care operates directly in Lindenhurst ZIP 11757 — so even residents who consider themselves Catholic Health patients may have Northwell touchpoints they haven’t considered. I approach Wellcare recommendations with significant caution for all Lindenhurst clients in 2026.
HEALTHSPRING (formerly Cigna Medicare) — Same Northwell termination as Wellcare, in effect since January 1, 2026. Six months of out-of-network Northwell claims may have already accumulated for affected HealthSpring members who haven’t been aware of this change. If your care is entirely Catholic Health, your day-to-day coverage may be intact — but this carrier’s pattern of network disruption in the New York market warrants careful review before recommending for new enrollments.
HEALTHFIRST — A legitimate New York-based plan with genuine community roots. Available in Suffolk County with competitive pricing including a 4.5-star rated option. Healthfirst’s network strength on Long Island is notably thinner than in the five boroughs. For Lindenhurst residents, verify each specific physician carefully — do not assume that because Healthfirst “covers” a hospital system generally that your particular specialist participates in the specific plan you’re considering.
HUMANA — HumanaChoice PPO is the second most enrolled plan in Suffolk County with 4,496 members. Humana has struggled in the New York and Long Island market in recent years — declining CMS star ratings and limited local network depth. Their plans in this market carry 3-star ratings. Not a primary option I recommend for most Lindenhurst clients in 2026. Worth verifying specific plan details for your situation, but don’t choose on brand name alone.

HMO vs. PPO vs. HMO-POS: What It Means in Lindenhurst

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) In-network providers only, primary care physician coordinates referrals, typically lowest premiums. Works best when ALL your providers are within one system — either Catholic Health or Northwell, not both. With Wellcare and HealthSpring both having lost their Northwell contracts, HMO network verification in Lindenhurst is more critical than ever in 2026. An HMO that doesn’t cover your hospital offers zero out-of-network flexibility when you need it most.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) See any Medicare-accepting provider in or out of network, no referrals required. 12 PPO plans available in Suffolk County for 2026, covering 42,354 beneficiaries. The Aetna Medicare Elite PPO leads with 24,441 members.
For Lindenhurst specifically, PPO flexibility has outsized value. You sit between two competing health systems. A PPO lets you keep your Good Samaritan cardiologist AND your South Shore University Hospital gastroenterologist on the same plan, without referrals. If a carrier-hospital dispute erupts mid-year — as happened with Wellcare and Northwell this year — a PPO also gives you out-of-network access as a fallback. An HMO does not.
HMO-POS (Point of Service) A hybrid — HMO pricing with limited out-of-network capability. The 5-star Anthem Medicare Advantage 3 HMO-POS is the most notable option in this category for Lindenhurst. Works well for residents whose care is primarily within one system but who want occasional flexibility.

The Number That Matters More Than the Premium

Thirteen Lindenhurst plans have $0 monthly premiums. That number captures attention. Here’s the number that actually determines your financial exposure:
The average Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum in Suffolk County is $8,722 per year.
That is the most you would pay for in-network covered services before your plan pays 100%. In a hospitalization, a surgery, or a serious cardiac event at Good Samaritan or South Shore University Hospital, you could owe close to that amount.
Compare that to Medigap Plan G. After a single $283 annual Part B deductible, your out-of-pocket on covered services is essentially zero. But Plan G through UHC — the lowest-priced carrier on Long Island — runs $372.50/month, meaning your minimum annual commitment exceeds $5,000 before you use a medical service.
Neither is universally right. The right answer depends on your specific health, providers, budget, and risk tolerance. That is the conversation I have with every Lindenhurst client before we look at a single plan.

My 5-Step Process for Lindenhurst Residents

Step 1: Tell me which hospital system your doctors are in. Catholic Health? Northwell? Both? This single answer determines which carriers are even worth discussing for your situation. Skip this step and every other comparison is built on a flawed foundation.
Step 2: List every medication you take. Name and dosage. The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100. What you pay within that cap depends entirely on how each plan tiers your specific drugs.
Step 3: Look at total annual cost — not just the monthly premium. A $0 plan with an $8,722 MOOP that excludes South Shore University Hospital is not a deal for a Lindenhurst resident who has a Northwell cardiologist. It is a liability.
Step 4: Think about your lifestyle. Do you travel? Spend winters in Florida? Have specialists in both the Catholic Health and Northwell systems? PPO or Medigap. Stay close to home with consolidated, predictable providers? A well-chosen HMO can work beautifully — as long as the network is right.
Step 5: Call me before October 15. AEP opens October 15. The decisions you make in that window follow you for an entire year. I’m independent, I’m minutes from Lindenhurst, I know both local hospital systems, and I have no quota with any carrier.

2026 Enrollment Windows

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Seven months — starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, ends 3 months after. Miss Part B enrollment and you pay a permanent 10% penalty per 12-month period you were late.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15 – December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. This is when the Wellcare and HealthSpring network situations make plan review especially urgent for affected Lindenhurst residents.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) January 1 – March 31. Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) Triggered by qualifying life events — including significant plan network changes. If the Wellcare or HealthSpring Northwell exits have disrupted your ongoing care, you may qualify for a mid-year plan change. Call me to discuss your specific eligibility.

Hospital Network Quick Reference

Carrier Good Samaritan / Catholic Health Southside / Northwell Notes
Aetna (PPO) ✅ In-Network ✅ In-Network Best for dual-system residents — most enrolled in Suffolk.
Anthem BCBS ✅ In-Network ✅ In-Network 5-star plan — HMO-POS structure, verify scope.
UnitedHealthcare ✅ Generally ✅ Generally Verify each provider — LI network thinner than national.
Healthfirst ✅ Verify ✅ Verify Stronger in boroughs — verify every provider.
Wellcare ✅ Catholic Health generally OK ❌ Northwell out as of July 1, 2026 Continuity through Aug 28 with authorization only.
HealthSpring ✅ Catholic Health generally OK ❌ Northwell out since Jan 1, 2026 Full termination — review all 2026 claims.
Medigap (any) ✅ Always ✅ Always No network restrictions — minimal network disputes.
Network status as of July 2026. Always verify your specific providers before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Lindenhurst, NY in 2026? There are 27 Medicare Advantage plans available to Lindenhurst residents in ZIP 11757 (Suffolk County) for 2026, from 8 insurance carriers including HMO, PPO, and HMO-POS plan types. 13 plans have $0 monthly premiums. The average out-of-pocket maximum is $8,722 per year.
Does Wellcare Medicare Advantage cover South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore? No — not for non-emergency care as of July 1, 2026. Wellcare chose not to renew its Northwell Health contract. South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore is a Northwell facility. Established Wellcare patients may continue Northwell care through August 29, 2026 with Wellcare’s authorization. Emergency care remains covered by federal law. Call 631-358-5793 immediately if you are on Wellcare with Northwell providers.
Does HealthSpring Medicare Advantage cover Northwell in Lindenhurst? No. HealthSpring terminated its entire network relationship with Northwell Health effective December 31, 2025. This covers South Shore University Hospital, the Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Lindenhurst, all Northwell physician groups, and their clinically integrated network. If you’ve had Northwell care in 2026 on a HealthSpring plan, contact HealthSpring to review your claims.
Which Medicare Advantage plan is best if I have doctors in both Good Samaritan and Northwell? A PPO plan — specifically the Aetna Medicare Elite PPO — is the strongest starting point for Lindenhurst residents with providers across both the Catholic Health and Northwell systems. Its PPO structure lets you access both systems without referrals or network penalties. Call me at 631-358-5793 and I’ll verify your specific doctors and run a full side-by-side comparison of all 27 available plans.
Is there a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan in Lindenhurst for 2026? Yes — 13 of the 27 available plans in ZIP 11757 have $0 monthly premiums. However, $0 premium does not mean $0 cost. The average out-of-pocket maximum in Suffolk County is $8,722 per year. A $0 plan that excludes your Northwell or Catholic Health providers creates a financial and medical problem. Always evaluate total annual cost and network access together.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans because my carrier dropped my hospital? Possibly. CMS Special Enrollment Period rules allow mid-year plan changes when your plan makes a significant network change affecting your access to care. Eligibility depends on your specific situation — the timing of the change, your health conditions, and your plan type all matter. Call me at 631-358-5793 for a free review of your specific circumstances.
Is there a local independent Medicare agent near Lindenhurst? Paul Barrett of The Modern Medicare Agency serves Lindenhurst and South Shore Suffolk County from his office in Melville — less than 10 minutes away. He is an independent broker representing 40+ carriers, licensed in 37 states, with no quotas and no allegiance to any carrier. Consultations are always free. Call 631-358-5793 or visit paulbinsurance.com.

Ready to Compare Your Options?

I serve Lindenhurst, West Islip, Babylon, Copiague, Amityville, Bay Shore, and all of South Shore Suffolk County from my Melville office — just minutes away. If you’re on Wellcare or HealthSpring and worried about your Northwell access, turning 65 and trying to make sense of 27 plan options, or simply haven’t reviewed your coverage in a year — call me.
No scripts. No pressure. No disappearing after enrollment.
Paul Barrett, CMIP The Modern Medicare Agency 📞 631-358-5793 “tel:+16313585793”✉️ medicare@paulbinsurance.com 🌐 paulbinsurance.com 📍 445 Broad Hollow Rd, Melville, NY 11747 
Licensed in 37 states | 40+ carriers | 18+ years experience | 5,000+ clients served | Minutes from Lindenhurst

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Disclaimer: The Modern Medicare Agency is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Plan data reflects CMS-published figures for 2026. Provider network information is subject to change — always verify your specific physicians’ network status before enrolling. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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