Beginning January 1, 2027, NCH will no longer accept Cigna Medicare Advantage plans and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.
This change does not affect your care today. It gives you time, before the Annual Enrollment Period ends, to review your options and keep in-network access to your NCH providers in 2027.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
Change takes effect
Your NCH care is unaffected until then
Why this is changing
A decision made to protect the quality of your care.
NCH is proud to be a locally governed, non-profit, community-focused health system and one of America’s Top 50 Hospitals. Our mission is to help everyone live happier, healthier lives by ensuring the best care for anyone who walks through our doors.
Fulfilling that mission means regularly evaluating the Medicare Advantage plans we accept to ensure they support high-quality, patient-centered care. This change allows us to ensure that the plans we partner with truly support quality care, reduce unnecessary administrative barriers, and align with our commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our patients.
Three dates to know
This is the window to act. Outside of it, there’s nothing you need to do.
October 15, 2026
Annual Enrollment Period opens. Talk to your broker about in-network options.
December 7, 2026
Annual Enrollment Period closes. Plan changes must be made by this date.
January 1, 2027
Cigna and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans are out-of-network at NCH.
What to expect
What this means for you, and what to do about it.
What this means for you
These changes will not impact your benefits or care at NCH until January 1, 2027, and you can continue seeing your NCH providers as usual until then.
After January 1, 2027, if you remain enrolled in a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan or a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan, you will likely have higher out-of-pocket costs or have limited coverage, depending on your plan.
While we will always be available to address your emergency healthcare needs, our doctors and hospital elective services will not schedule appointments for individuals with Cigna or Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans beginning January 1, 2027.
What you can do
Talk to your broker about your options during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which begins October 15.
Switching to an in-network Medicare Advantage plan or to traditional Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help you avoid higher out-of-pocket costs and ensure continued access to your preferred providers. NCH accepts all Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and because these plans don’t use provider networks, you don’t have to worry about whether NCH is in or out-of-network.
Review our full list of in-network insurance plans here.
Continue to visit nchmd.org/MAUpdate for the latest information, or direct questions to our dedicated email address at MAQuestions@nchmd.org.
As you prepare for Medicare Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2026), we’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your coverage. We value the trust you place in NCH and remain committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for years to come.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is NCH changing its participation in select Medicare Advantage plans?
This change was made with significant consideration and evaluation. By focusing on a select group of Medicare Advantage plans, we can ensure that the plans we partner with truly support high-quality, patient-centered care.
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A growing number of people in our communities are reaching Medicare age, making it especially important for us to have a sustainable, coordinated approach that allows us to provide the seamless and personal care our patients deserve. By focusing on a smaller number of Medicare Advantage partners, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our patients.
Will my current plan or 2026 coverage be affected?
No. If you have a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan or a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan, these changes will not impact your benefits or care at NCH until January 1, 2027, and you can continue seeing your NCH providers as usual until then. We are communicating this change in advance so you can begin understanding your options prior to enrolling in your 2027 plan.
What is the deadline to change my Medicare Advantage insurance?
Changes should be made during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. These changes will be effective January 1, 2027.
What does out-of-network mean?
Out-of-network refers to a healthcare provider who does not have a contract with a particular health insurance plan. If you use an out-of-network provider, healthcare services may cost more.
What's the difference between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Traditional Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government for people ages 65 or older, or for younger individuals with certain medical conditions or disabilities that qualify under government rules. Typically, traditional Medicare pays for 80% of covered healthcare costs and patients pay the remaining 20%. Traditional Medicare does not cover most prescription drug costs or vision, dental, hearing, or long-term nursing home health needs.
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Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are offered by private insurance companies to help cover many of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by traditional Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. NCH accepts all Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and because these plans don’t use provider networks, you don’t have to worry about whether NCH is in or out-of-network.
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Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved plans from private companies offering an alternative to traditional Medicare for health and drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare-covered services and may include benefits not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and alternative care. Medicare Advantage plans work to limit out-of-pocket costs while providing access to other essential health and wellness benefits.
Which Medicare Advantage insurance plan does NCH recommend?
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is a personal decision, and each patient needs to assess their unique health needs. To explore options that are in-network for NCH:
- Visit Contracted Insurance Plans to find a list of all insurance plans that are in-network for NCH for 2027.
- Contact your insurance broker and ask them how to maintain in-network access to NCH in 2027.
Where can I find the latest information?
For the latest information, please continue to visit nchmd.org/MAUpdate. You can also reach out to our dedicated email address at MAQuestions@nchmd.org.
Still have questions about your 2027 coverage?
We’re here to help you understand your options.