Summary
Several major health systems will stop accepting Medicare Advantage plans starting in 2026. These systems are dropping the plans due to issues like prior authorization denials and slow payments, which are causing seniors to face higher costs. Over half of Americans on Medicare choose Medicare Advantage, which offers some cost benefits but can also create problems like treatment authorization issues.
Key Facts
- Fifteen health systems will no longer accept Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.
- MultiCare in Washington will stop accepting any Medicare Advantage PPO plans.
- Mayo Clinic, Providence Clinical Network, and Mount Sinai will drop various Medicare Advantage plans.
- UNC Health, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and TriHealth are ending contracts with multiple Medicare Advantage providers.
- Medicare Advantage plans often reimburse rural hospitals at lower rates than traditional Medicare.
- Appeals overturn about 82% of prior authorization denials under Medicare Advantage plans.
- Patients may face increased out-of-pocket costs if hospitals go out of network with their Medicare Advantage plans.
