Key Takeaways
Medicare Advantage plans come and go—and 2025-2026 has been particularly disruptive for Long Island residents:
Cigna (now HealthSpring) dropped Northwell coverage – One of the most popular plans in the area suddenly stopped covering Northwell hospitals and doctors, affecting thousands of Long Island beneficiaries
Plan discontinuations are accelerating – More carriers are pulling out of markets or discontinuing specific plans mid-contract, leaving enrollees scrambling
Some carriers are quietly suppressing enrollment – HealthFirst, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem BCBS are making it harder to enroll in their plans—not by eliminating them, but by removing them from quoting tools and making them non-commissionable
No local presence means unstable coverage – Carriers without local broker networks rely on independent agents to grow. When they stop paying commissions, they’re signaling they don’t want to grow—or they’re preparing to exit
You have MORE time than you think if your plan is discontinued – If your plan ends, you have until February 28th to enroll in a new plan, PLUS the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) gives you another chance to switch
The “safest” choice isn’t always obvious – National brand names don’t guarantee stability. Regional plans with strong local presence are often more reliable long-term
Bottom line: The Medicare Advantage market on Long Island is more unstable than most consumers realize. What works this year might not exist next year—and the warning signs aren’t always obvious.
I’ve been helping Medicare consumers in Huntington since 2007. I’ve watched plans come and go. But what’s happened over the past 18 months is different.
This isn’t the normal churn of insurance companies tweaking benefits or adjusting networks. This is carriers making strategic decisions to exit markets, discontinue popular plans, and quietly suppress enrollment—all while leaving beneficiaries to figure it out on their own.
Let me tell you what’s really going on behind the scenes in the Medicare Advantage market, and what it means for Huntington residents trying to make smart coverage decisions.
The Cigna/HealthSpring Disruption: A Case Study in How Fast Things Can Change
Cigna was one of the biggest Medicare Advantage carriers on Long Island. Their plans were popular—competitive premiums, decent networks, reasonable drug coverage. Thousands of Long Island residents enrolled.
Then Cigna Healthcare was acquired and rebranded as HealthSpring. That alone raised eyebrows. Corporate restructuring usually signals changes ahead.
Then came the bombshell: HealthSpring decided to stop covering Northwell Health facilities and doctors.
Let that sink in. Northwell Health is the largest healthcare provider on Long Island. Huntington Hospital, Lenox Hill, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Southside Hospital—all Northwell facilities. Hundreds of primary care doctors and specialists across Long Island—Northwell providers.
If you were enrolled in a Cigna/HealthSpring Medicare Advantage plan and your doctor worked for Northwell, or you preferred treatment at a Northwell facility, you suddenly faced a choice:
- Switch doctors and hospitals entirely – Find new providers who accept your plan
- Pay out-of-network rates – Significantly higher costs to continue seeing your current doctors
- Wait for an enrollment period – Either Annual Enrollment or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to switch plans
This wasn’t a minor network adjustment. This was a seismic shift that disrupted care for thousands of Long Island Medicare beneficiaries who’d chosen their plan specifically because it covered their doctors and local hospitals.
Why Plans Get Discontinued (And Why It's Happening More Often)
Medicare Advantage plans get discontinued for several reasons, but they all come down to one thing: profitability.
The Business Reality:
Medicare Advantage plans are paid a fixed amount per enrollee by Medicare. The insurance company then has to cover all your care within that payment. If their costs exceed what Medicare pays them, they lose money.
In recent years, several factors have made Medicare Advantage less profitable:
- Medical costs are rising faster than Medicare’s payment rates
- Sicker enrollees cost more to cover – Plans that attracted members with generous benefits are now paying for expensive care
- Regulatory changes – CMS has tightened rules around prior authorizations, network adequacy, and Star Ratings
- Market saturation – Too many plans competing for the same pool of beneficiaries
When a plan stops making money, carriers have three options:
- Reduce benefits and increase cost-sharing (makes the plan less attractive)
- Narrow the network (cut contracts with expensive hospitals and doctors)
- Discontinue the plan entirely
What we’ve seen recently:
Cigna/HealthSpring chose option #2—they cut Northwell from their network to reduce their costs. Other carriers are choosing option #3 and simply discontinuing plans that aren’t profitable enough.
And here’s what most consumers don’t know: carriers don’t need your permission to do this. They notify CMS. They send you a letter. And you’re left figuring out your next move.
The Plans You Can't Enroll In (Even Though They Exist)
Now let me tell you about something even more insidious: enrollment suppression.
There are several major Medicare Advantage carriers operating in the Huntington area—HealthFirst, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield—that are quietly making it harder for new people to enroll in their plans.
How? Two main tactics:
- Removing Plans from Quoting Tools
When you go to Medicare.gov or use an online comparison tool to shop for plans, you see a list of available options. What you don’t see are the plans carriers have deliberately removed from those tools.
These plans still exist. They’re still approved by CMS. Current members can keep them. But new enrollments? The carriers have made them nearly invisible.
Why would they do this? Because they don’t want to grow those plans. Maybe the plan is profitable for existing members but they don’t want to add new ones. Maybe they’re planning to discontinue it next year and don’t want to deal with angry new enrollees. Maybe they’re testing the market to see if they even want to stay in the region.
- Making Plans Non-Commissionable
Here’s how Medicare Advantage distribution really works: Most carriers don’t have local sales offices or employed agents in every market. They rely on independent insurance brokers like me to educate consumers and help them enroll.
Brokers get paid a commission by the insurance company when we help someone enroll. That’s how we make our living.
But increasingly, carriers are making certain plans non-commissionable—meaning brokers don’t get paid if we enroll someone in those plans.
What happens when a plan becomes non-commissionable? Independent brokers stop offering it.
Why would I spend an hour educating someone about Medicare, comparing their options, and helping them enroll in a plan that pays me nothing? I can’t. I have a business to run. So I focus on the plans where I can actually earn a commission for my time and expertise.
The result? These non-commissionable plans get almost no new enrollments except from people who find them on their own and enroll directly.
And here’s the kicker: This is by design.
When a carrier makes a plan non-commissionable, they’re sending a signal: We don’t want to grow this plan. They’re either planning to exit the market, discontinue the plan, or they’ve decided the local market isn’t profitable enough to justify investing in distribution.
The Carriers Suppressing Enrollment in Huntington Right Now
As of 2026, here are the carriers I’m watching closely because they’re showing clear signs of enrollment suppression in the Long Island market:
HealthFirst – Limited plan availability, minimal broker support, very small local presence
Humana – Historically strong in other parts of the country but struggling in the New York metro area. Several plans have become non-commissionable or hard to access through normal enrollment channels
UnitedHealthcare – Despite being one of the largest carriers nationally, their Medicare Advantage presence on Long Island is inconsistent. Plans come and go, commissions get cut, and local broker support is minimal
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – Once a major player, their Medicare Advantage footprint has shrunk significantly. Limited plan options, reduced broker compensation, and a general sense they’re not prioritizing this market
What does this mean for you?
If you’re enrolled in a plan from one of these carriers, it doesn’t mean your plan is going away tomorrow. But it does mean you should be extra vigilant:
- Read every letter from your plan – Network changes, benefit reductions, and discontinuation notices often come with little fanfare
- Check your plan every Annual Enrollment Period – Don’t assume it’ll still be there or that the benefits will stay the same
- Use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – Between January 1 and March 31 each year, you have one more chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans or move to Original Medicare before you’re locked in for the year
- Have a backup plan – Know what other options exist in case your current plan gets discontinued
Why Carriers Without Local Presence Are Riskier
Here’s something most Huntington residents don’t think about when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan: Does this carrier have a real presence on Long Island?
National brand recognition doesn’t mean much if the company doesn’t have:
- Local provider contracts that are stable and well-negotiated
- A network of local brokers who understand the market and advocate for members
- Regional offices or claims processing infrastructure
- A track record of staying in the market long-term
Carriers that rely entirely on independent brokers to grow their business are essentially outsourcing their market presence. When they cut broker commissions or make plans non-commissionable, they’re signaling they don’t want to invest in this market.
And if they’re not investing in the market, how long before they exit entirely?
Compare that to carriers with strong local presence:
- They’ve invested in provider relationships (which means more stable networks)
- They have local broker networks (which means better member support and advocacy)
- They’ve built infrastructure (which means they’re committed for the long term)
- They understand the regional market dynamics (which means better benefit design)
I’m not saying you should only choose local or regional plans. But I am saying you should factor in a carrier’s local commitment when evaluating stability.
What Happens When Your Plan Gets Discontinued
Let’s walk through what actually happens when a Medicare Advantage plan gets discontinued, because most people don’t understand their rights and options—or how much time they actually have to make decisions.
The Timeline:
- By October 1 – Insurance carriers must notify CMS of any plan discontinuations for the following year
- By October 15 – You should receive a written notice if your plan is being discontinued
- October 15 – December 7 – Annual Enrollment Period when you can choose a new plan
- January 1 – Your old plan ends
- January 1 – February 28 – Extended enrollment period for discontinued plans – If your plan was discontinued, you have until February 28th to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare
- January 1 – March 31 – Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – Even if your plan wasn’t discontinued, ALL Medicare Advantage members get one more opportunity to switch plans or move to Original Medicare during this window
Here’s what most people don’t realize: You’re not stuck making a decision during the October-December Annual Enrollment Period. You have MORE time and MORE opportunities to make changes than you think.
Your Options:
If your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, you can:
- Enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan – You can do this during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7), during the extended period for discontinued plans (through Feb 28), or during the MA Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31)
- Return to Original Medicare + Medigap – But here’s the catch: You’ll face medical underwriting for a Medigap plan unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights
- Do nothing during Annual Enrollment – If you don’t choose a new plan by December 7, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B only) with no supplemental coverage starting January 1. But you still have until February 28th to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan if you change your mind.
Understanding the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31):
This is a window that far too many people don’t know about or don’t use. Here’s how it works:
- Who can use it: Anyone currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan
- What you can do: Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan OR drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and add a Medigap plan if you can pass underwriting)
- When changes take effect: The first of the month following your enrollment. If you enroll on January 15th, your new coverage starts February 1st. If you enroll on March 20th, your new coverage starts April 1st.
- How many times you can use it: Once. You get one opportunity to make a change during this period.
This is your safety valve. If you enrolled in a plan during Annual Enrollment and realized by January or February that it’s not working—the network is too limited, prior authorizations are a nightmare, your doctors don’t accept it—you have until March 31st to make one more change.
The Guaranteed Issue Rights You Need to Know:
In New York, you have guaranteed issue rights to buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting if:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued or is leaving your service area
- You’ve been in the plan for less than 12 months
- You apply within 63 days of when your coverage ends
This is a big deal. Normally, if you’re past your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies can decline you or charge you more based on your health. But if your Medicare Advantage plan gets discontinued, New York law gives you a second chance.
Most people don’t know this right exists. Don’t be one of them.
The Red Flags That Your Plan Might Be in Trouble
How do you know if your Medicare Advantage plan is at risk of being discontinued or having major network disruptions? Here are the warning signs:
🚩 Your plan’s Star Rating dropped significantly – CMS rates plans on a 1-5 star scale. Plans below 3 stars are underperforming and often get discontinued
🚩 You’re getting frequent network change notices – If doctors and hospitals are regularly leaving your plan’s network, that’s a sign the carrier is struggling with provider contracts
🚩 Your broker stopped offering the plan – If independent agents are no longer recommending or enrolling people in your plan, ask why
🚩 Benefits got significantly reduced – Major cuts to benefits (especially drug coverage, dental, vision, or gym memberships) often signal financial problems
🚩 The carrier doesn’t have a local presence – No local broker network, no regional offices, minimal customer service presence = higher risk of exit
🚩 Prior authorization denials are increasing – If your plan is suddenly denying or delaying authorizations for care that was previously approved, they’re trying to cut costs
🚩 You’re seeing news about corporate restructuring – Mergers, acquisitions, rebranding (like Cigna → HealthSpring) often precede major coverage changes
What Huntington Residents Should Do Right Now
If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, here’s what I recommend:
During Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7 every year):
☐ Review your current plan’s performance – Did you have network issues? Prior authorization problems? Unexpected costs?
☐ Check if your doctors and Huntington Hospital are still in-network – Don’t assume it’s the same as last year
☐ Look at your plan’s Star Rating – If it dropped below 3 stars, start shopping
☐ Compare what you actually spent this year vs. what you’d spend on other plans
☐ If your plan is from a carrier with weak local presence (HealthFirst, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem BCBS), strongly consider switching
During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31):
☐ If you’re unhappy with your current Medicare Advantage plan, this is your second chance to switch
☐ Evaluate whether the plan you chose in October is actually working for you
☐ Remember: You can make ONE change during this period, and it takes effect the first of the following month
☐ This is your last opportunity to make changes before you’re locked in until next October
If your plan is discontinued:
☐ Don’t panic – You have until February 28th to enroll in a new plan
☐ Explore your guaranteed issue rights for Medigap if you want to return to Original Medicare
☐ Work with a local broker who can help you navigate your options quickly
Throughout the year:
☐ Read every piece of mail from your plan – Network changes and benefit reductions often come with minimal notice
☐ Keep a list of your current doctors and their contact info – If you need to switch plans, you’ll want to verify they accept your new coverage
☐ Know your rights – Understand guaranteed issue periods and when you can change coverage
☐ Have a relationship with a local independent broker – We see the warning signs before most consumers do
The Case for Original Medicare + Medigap (Despite the Cost)
I know I sound like I’m beating up on Medicare Advantage. I’m not anti-MA—I help plenty of Huntington residents enroll in these plans when they’re the right fit.
But here’s what I am: Anti-surprise. Anti-disruption. Anti-instability.
And increasingly, the Medicare Advantage market is defined by all three.
When someone asks me “Paul, what’s the safest Medicare option?”, my answer is always the same: Original Medicare with a Medigap plan.
Yes, Plan G costs $372-$500+ per month in Huntington. Yes, that’s expensive. Yes, you’re paying more than you would for most $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans.
But here’s what you’re paying for:
✓ Your coverage can never be discontinued – Original Medicare isn’t a plan that can go away. Medigap supplements are guaranteed renewable.
✓ No network restrictions – Any doctor who accepts Medicare (which is virtually all of them) works with your coverage
✓ No network changes mid-year – You’ll never get a letter saying Northwell or Huntington Hospital dropped your plan
✓ No prior authorizations – If your doctor orders it and Medicare covers it, it’s covered. Period.
✓ Nationwide coverage – Travel, move, spend winters in Florida—your coverage works everywhere
✓ Stability – What you enroll in at 65 will work the same way at 85. The benefits don’t change.
✓ No enrollment period concerns – You’re not watching the calendar hoping you can switch plans during a narrow window if something goes wrong
Is it more expensive? Absolutely. But you’re not paying for insurance—you’re paying for certainty and stability.
For some Huntington residents, especially those with complex health needs, frequent travelers, or people who highly value continuity of care, that certainty is worth every penny.
How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan That's Less Likely to Disappear
If you decide Medicare Advantage is the right choice for you—and for many people it is—here’s how to pick a plan that’s more likely to stick around:
- Prioritize carriers with strong local presence
Look for carriers that:
- Have been in the Long Island market for 5+ years
- Have a network of local independent brokers
- Process claims locally or regionally (not just at a national call center)
- Invest in local provider relationships
- Check the plan’s Star Rating
Plans rated 4+ stars are generally stable and well-managed. Plans below 3 stars are at higher risk of discontinuation.
- Look at enrollment trends
Is the plan growing or shrinking? If new enrollments are down year-over-year, that’s a red flag. (Your broker should be able to tell you this.)
- Verify the provider network is broad and stable
Does the plan include Huntington Hospital AND multiple local hospital systems? Or is it dependent on contracts with just one or two provider groups? More network diversity = more stability.
- Avoid plans that are non-commissionable
If brokers aren’t getting paid to enroll people in the plan, the carrier isn’t investing in growth. That’s a warning sign.
- Work with a local independent broker who’s been in the market for years
We see patterns you don’t. We know which carriers are solid and which ones are struggling. We know when a carrier starts suppressing enrollment before it becomes obvious to consumers.
- Remember you have safety nets
Even if you choose a plan and regret it, you have the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31) to make one more change. And if your plan gets discontinued, you have until February 28th to enroll in something new. You’re not as locked in as you think
The Question You Should Be Asking
Not “What’s the cheapest plan?” or “What plan has the best drug coverage?”
The question is: “What’s the most stable coverage option that will work for me 5 years from now, not just today?”
Because here’s the truth: Saving $200/month on premiums doesn’t matter if your plan gets discontinued in 18 months and you’re scrambling to find new doctors, navigate a new network, and hope your medications are still covered.
I’ve been doing this since 2007. I’ve seen plans come and go. I’ve helped clients navigate discontinuations, network disruptions, and carrier exits.
The Medicare Advantage market on Long Island is more unstable today than it’s been in years. Cigna/HealthSpring dropping Northwell is just the most visible example. Behind the scenes, multiple carriers are quietly suppressing enrollment, reducing broker support, and sending signals they’re not committed to this market long-term.
You deserve to know what’s really going on. And you deserve coverage that won’t disappear when you need it most.
The good news? You have more options and more time to make decisions than most people realize. Use the Annual Enrollment Period. Use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period if you need a second chance. And if your plan gets discontinued, remember you have until February 28th—not just December 7th—to figure out your next move.
Paul Barrett is an independent Medicare insurance broker serving Huntington and Long Island since 2007. He represents 40+ carriers and works exclusively with independent agents—which means he sees the market dynamics most consumers never hear about. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest guidance about what’s really happening in the Medicare marketplace.
