What if your hospital leaves your Medicare Advantage network?

Can I keep receiving care during a network change?

Ask the plan and your treating provider about continuity or transition of care. Explain what treatment is already underway, the next appointment date and any existing approval. Ask whether an exception is available, how to request it, what it would cost and how long it would last.

Medicare says plans must protect members from interruptions in medically necessary covered care. That does not mean every request to stay with an out of network provider will be approved. If an interruption could put your health at risk, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY 1-877-486-2048.

If a new Medicare Advantage plan requires prior authorization for treatment already underway, Medicare says it must give you at least 90 days before it can require a new approval. That rule does not by itself promise that an out of network hospital is covered.

Will my plan pay for an out of network hospital?

It depends on the plan, the service and whether an exception applies. Ask your plan for the amount you would pay before receiving nonemergency care.

When can I change Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026 for changes generally starting January 1, 2027. People already in Medicare Advantage also have an enrollment period from January 1 through March 31, 2027 when they can make one permitted change.

Other special enrollment periods may apply to particular situations. A hospital leaving a network does not automatically give every member a special enrollment period. Call Medicare or your plan to ask about your circumstances before relying on one.

Use Medicare Plan Compare and confirm each hospital, doctor, prescription and pharmacy with the new plan. A plan that covers one hospital may not include your other providers. The link to Medicare Plan Compare is in our sources below.

Could Original Medicare be an option?

You may be able to switch to Original Medicare during an applicable enrollment period. Original Medicare generally lets you use providers that accept Medicare, but you should confirm the hospital and doctor accept it.

You may want a separate Part D drug plan and a Medicare Supplement policy, also called Medigap. Outside protected enrollment or guaranteed issue periods, a Medigap insurer may ask health questions, charge more or decline an application, depending on your state and circumstances. Check your rights and costs before leaving your current plan.

Our Medicare Advantage and Medigap comparison explains the differences. Never cancel existing coverage until you understand the replacement and its effective date.

Where can I check a specific hospital?

Start with your plan's current directory, then confirm directly with the plan and hospital. The exact plan and service date matter more than the insurance company name alone.

We also explain local questions about Vanderbilt in Nashville, Moffitt in Tampa and BJC in St. Louis. Contracts can change, so confirm the current status before acting.

Insurers and hospitals mentioned

Explore the organizations or brands discussed in this article. A mention does not mean every plan or location is covered.

• Detailed guide · FloridaMoffitt Cancer Center
• Detailed guide · TennesseeVanderbilt Health
• Hospital · FloridaH Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute I