Medicare Advantage Updates

2026 Medicare Advantage Plan Letters to Patients and FAQ

In August 2026, Renown patients on out-of-network Medicare Advantage plans received a letter notifying them that beginning Jan. 1, 2027, they will not be able to schedule appointments at Renown if they remain on an out-of-network Medicare Advantage plan. Patients who have out-of-network Medicare Advantage plans can still schedule and attend appointments until Dec. 31, 2026.

We understand health insurance and Medicare can be complex, and our goal is to give patients all the information they need to make informed and independent decisions about their healthcare. Please review the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Renown send these letters?

We value the trust our patients place in us, and we are committed to providing clear, timely information to help them understand their insurance coverage and care options. Patients received this letter if they were on a Medicare Advantage plan that does not include Renown in its network. The intention of this letter is to notify these patients that they will lose their access to Renown if they remain on an out-of-network plan in 2027.

I received a letter, what can I do about this change?

If you received this letter and would like to stay with your Renown providers, you may choose a Medicare Advantage plan that has Renown in their network. Five-Star Medicare Advantage plans can be enrolled in at any time throughout the year. The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

I did not receive a letter, am I affected?

If you did not receive this letter, it means you are not on an out-of-network Medicare Advantage plan and you do not need to make any changes. You may choose to confirm that the plan you are on is going to remain in network with Renown and your provider in 2027.

I have been a Renown patient for years, why can I no longer schedule past Dec. 31, 2026?

Thank you for being a valued patient of Renown. If you would like to keep your Renown providers in 2027, you may need to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan that is in our network during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

I have appointments scheduled for this year, but I received a letter. Can I keep my appointments?

Yes, our goal is to continue seeing patients who are on out-of-network Medicare Advantage plans until they have the option to enroll in a new plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. You may continue to keep your scheduled appointments and make new appointments with Renown until Dec. 31, 2026. If you choose to stay on or enroll in an out-of-network Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to find a new healthcare provider starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Who can I talk to about this?

For questions about your available Medicare coverage options, you can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227, speak with a licensed insurance broker, or contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor for free, unbiased guidance. If your question is about an appointment you already have or your continuity of care, please call the scheduling office.

Which plan will be in-network?

You can review options through Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or speak with a licensed insurance broker or State Health Insurance Program counselor to choose the right plan for you. You should also confirm with the insurance plan that Renown Health and your specific provider will be in network for 2027.

I’m a recent retiree. What do I do?

Congratulations on your retirement! Your next step depends on how you receive your Medicare coverage. If your Medicare Advantage plan is provided through a former employer or retiree benefit program, contact that benefits office for additional information. You may also contact Medicare or a State Health Insurance Program counselor to review your options. Please do not cancel or change your current coverage until you understand how it could affect your retiree benefits.

When can I change plans?

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during that period may allow you to select a contracted Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare for the following year.

Why did I receive this if my spouse did not?

Letters were sent based on the insurance information in each patient’s individual record. Since coverage can differ between family members, your spouse may be enrolled in an in network Medicare Advantage Plan.