2026 Medicare Choices
Your Providence Medicare Advantage plan won’t be available in 2026.
The information on this page is for Providence Medicare Advantage members who are on plans that will no longer be offered in 2026 (coverage ends 12/31/25). This includes members on the Providence Bridge + Rx (HMO-POS), Providence Medicare Choice + Rx (HMO-POS) and Providence Medicare Cottonwood + Rx (HMO-POS) plans and individual Medicare Advantage plan members who live in Benton, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Wheeler counties in Oregon.
If you get your Medicare Advantage plan through your former employer in one of the counties listed above, this information doesn’t apply to you.
Here’s how to make sure you have the Medicare coverage you need:
Get help from an insurance agent
- Call your agent: If you have an agent, call them for help choosing a new plan.
- Find an agent: If you don’t have an agent, find one near you here.
Explore plans near you
- Visit medicare.gov: Go to this website to see all the plans you can choose from. You will be able to review your Medicare options and compare plans.
- Review the Medicare & You handbook you received in the mail in late September to see all the options in your area.
Important dates
Remember these deadlines to make sure you get the coverage you need.
| Enrollment Period | Start Date | End Date | Coverage Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | Oct. 15 | Dec. 7 |
Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Special Enrollment Period1 | Dec. 8 | Feb. 28 |
|
1If you don’t sign up for a new plan by Dec. 31, 2025, you’ll automatically be switched to Original Medicare starting Jan. 1, 2026. You can change your mind during the
special election period if you decide you want a different plan.
What happens if I don’t choose a new plan?
If you don’t choose a new plan by December 31, 2025, you’ll automatically be moved to Original Medicare starting January 1, 2026. Please note that Original Medicare does not include a Part D prescription drug plan.
What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare covers basic health insurance for hospital (Part A) and medical needs (Part B). It doesn’t include extras that Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer, such as dental care, vision, hearing, gym membership, or prescription drug coverage (Part D).
| Original Medicare (Parts A & B) |
Medicare Advantage2 (Part C) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Federal government | Private insurance companies |
| What’s covered | Hospital insurance (Part A) and medical Insurance (Part B) for things like doctor visits, tests and preventive care | Same as Original Medicare (Part A and B) |
| Prescription drugs (Part D) | Not included, must sign up for a separate Medicare Part D plan.3 | Usually included |
| Dental, Vision, Hearing | Not included | Most plans cover routine care for dental, vision and hearing |
| Additional benefits | Not included | May offer extras like gym memberships, telehealth, transportation, meal delivery and more |
| Doctors and Provider network | You can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare | You usually must use doctors in the plan’s network |
| Out-of-pocket costs | No limit on what you pay out-of-pocket | Has a yearly maximum out-of-pocket limit on the amount you pay each year |
2You must have Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
3If you don’t sign up for a separate prescription drug (Part D) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you may have to pay penalties. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Providence no longer offering Medicare Advantage Plans at all in 2026?
No. Providence Medicare Advantage plans will still be available in the following counties:
- Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Hood River, Lane
- Washington: Clark, Benton, Franklin, Snohomish, Spokane, Walla Walla
- California: Orange
-
Why is my plan no longer being offered next year?
We prioritized Medicare Advantage plans in our core service areas, where we have strong partnerships with provider groups and can offer the best value to members.
-
What happens if I don’t find a new plan?
You have until December 31st to find a plan or you’ll be moved to Original Medicare starting January 1, 2026. After December 31st, you can still enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during what is called a Special Enrollment Period. In this Special Enrollment Period, you can apply between January 1st and February 28 and your coverage will start the first of the following month of which the application is received. So, if you enroll in January, your coverage will begin February 1st.
If you do not enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, you will still have Original Medicare, which does not include prescription drug coverage.
-
Are you still in my county?
We will continue to offer plans in the following counties in 2026:
- Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Hood River, Lane
- Washington: Clark, Benton, Franklin, Snohomish, Spokane, Walla Walla
- California: Orange
-
What are you offering in my area since my plan is going away?
If you do not live in one of the counties listed below, we will no longer offer plans in your area in 2026. Visit medicare.gov to see all the plans you can choose from. You can also review the Medicare & You handbook you received in the mail in late September to see all your options or get help from an insurance agent.
We will continue to offer plans in the following counties in 2026:
- Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Hood River, Lane
- Washington: Clark, Benton, Franklin, Snohomish, Spokane, Walla Walla
- California: Orange
-
I’m having trouble enrolling online
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins on October 15th. You will be able to enroll on a new plan beginning on this date.
Need more help?
- Learn more: Find out more about your Medicare options and compare plans.
- Still have questions? Call our customer service at 866-356-6654.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific Time) 7 days a week, October 1st through March 31st and Monday - Friday, April 1st through September 30th