O P I N I O N

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

For many New Hampshire seniors, Medicare Advantage has become an important part of their health coverage. It is not the right fit for everyone—some prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare, but for tens of thousands of Granite Staters it provides the coordination, cost structure, and peace of mind they depend on every day.

That is why changes to the Medicare Advantage program over the past four years have been so unsettling. Last year alone, more than 44,000 New Hampshire enrollees, over half of our state’s Medicare Advantage population, were affected when carriers reduced plan offerings or withdrew from the market entirely. Unfortunately, the disruption will be even greater in 2026, with approximately 77,000 Granite Staters expected to be impacted. Anthem and Martin’s Point will exit the market completely, Aetna will withdraw from most counties, and UnitedHealthcare will discontinue all plans in Coos County. Even in counties with a stronger carrier presence, plan choices will narrow as insurers consolidate offerings and adjust provider networks.

It is important to be clear about why this is happening. Over the past several years, policy makers and regulators in Washington have imposed new regulations, reduced payments, and added compliance burdens that have forced insurers nationwide to rethink their participation. As a result, plans are narrowing networks, cutting back benefits, or leaving states altogether.

Medicare Advantage is a federal program, regulated by the federal government and not the State of New Hampshire. Consequently, the State of New Hampshire does not set its rules, design its benefits, or determine its pricing. The New Hampshire Insurance Department cannot reverse these federal decisions. What we can do, and are committed to doing, is helping Granite Staters understand their rights, review their choices, and act quickly to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

Here is what every senior citizen should know:

First, you will not be left without coverage options. If your plan exits or changes significantly, federal law provides you with a Special Enrollment Period to choose another Medicare Advantage plan or to return to Original Medicare.

Second, if you return to Original Medicare, you still have additional options. You may add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and in most cases, you will have a guaranteed right to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without medical underwriting.

Third, timing is critical. If your plan is impacted, notices from your carrier will include deadlines. Review them carefully and do not delay. Acting promptly ensures you keep your doctors, preserve access to needed prescriptions, and avoid gaps in coverage.

When navigating these changes, take a few practical steps: gather your current plan information and a list of your medications; check whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered in available plans; and keep careful records of notices and phone calls. Most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help. Free, unbiased assistance is available through Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and directly through the New Hampshire Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Unit.

While our authority is limited, New Hampshire is still working in the best interest of consumers. With the support of Governor Kelly Ayotte and the Legislature, the Department advanced legislation requiring carriers to provide advance notice and detailed reporting of withdrawals that took effect last month. This reform will not prevent federal changes, but it gives state regulators earlier warning so we can provide clearer guidance and outreach to seniors before major disruptions occur.

At its heart, health coverage is personal. It touches the doctor you see, the medicine you take, and the confidence you feel when you need care. When federal decisions impact that security, our responsibility is clear: to provide clarity, protect consumer choice, and make sure no senior faces these changes alone.

Governor Ayotte and the New Hampshire Insurance Department stand with our seniors. Together, we will guide them through their options and help safeguard their access to care with diligence and compassion.

If you or a loved one are affected, please reach out. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact the New Hampshire Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Unit at 603-271-2261 or 800-852-3416, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov.

D.J. Bettencourt, Commissioner, NH Insurance Department

D.J. Bettencourt of Salem, NH is the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department.