33,000 Long Islanders Facing Medicare Plan Cancellations in 2027: Plan Medicare Founder Featured in Newsday

November 3, 2026 | Medicare Advantage News | Nassau & Suffolk Counties, New York

Thousands of Long Island seniors are facing significant changes to their Medicare coverage for 2027. With Medicare Advantage plans being discontinued, benefits changing and insurance companies adjusting their service areas, many beneficiaries are finding themselves having to make important healthcare decisions before the end of the year.

According to a November 3, 2026, Newsday report, approximately 33,000 Medicare beneficiaries across Nassau and Suffolk counties are enrolled in plans being discontinued for 2027.

The Newsday Article, titled “33,000 Long Islanders losing Medicare plans for 2027. What seniors need to know,” examines the impact of these changes, the challenges facing seniors during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period and the importance of carefully comparing coverage options.

Brian Krantz, founder of Plan Medicare, was featured in Newsday’s reporting, sharing his perspective on the growing number of Long Island residents seeking assistance with their Medicare coverage.

For seniors whose plans are being canceled, the changes can be overwhelming. But even beneficiaries whose plans are continuing should review their coverage before the December 7 enrollment deadline.

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s happening to Medicare Advantage plans on Long Island in 2027, what to do if your current plan is ending, the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, and how to evaluate your options.

Plan Medicare Founder Brian Krantz Featured in Newsday

As the founder of Plan Medicare, an independent Medicare insurance brokerage based in Melville, New York, Brian Krantz works with individuals navigating Medicare enrollment and coverage decisions.

In its November 3 report, Newsday turned to Brian for insight into the challenges facing Medicare beneficiaries whose plans are changing or being discontinued.

Speaking about the high volume of individuals seeking assistance, Brian told Newsday:

“I have to speak to someone every half-hour who is trying to find a new plan.”

His observation reflects the uncertainty many Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing during the 2026 Annual Enrollment Period as they prepare for coverage changes taking effect January 1, 2027.

Brian also raised concerns about Medicare marketing practices that place too much emphasis on extra benefits while giving insufficient attention to essential healthcare coverage.

While additional benefits such as dental allowances, fitness memberships and over-the-counter benefits may be appealing, they should not overshadow more important considerations, including:

• Whether your doctors accept the plan
• Whether your preferred hospitals participate in the network
• Whether your prescription medications are covered
• What you’ll pay for specialist visits, hospital stays and other healthcare services
• Whether the plan requires referrals or prior authorization for certain treatments
• Your potential annual out-of-pocket costs

Choosing Medicare coverage involves more than identifying the plan with the most advertised benefits. The goal should be to find coverage that aligns with your healthcare needs, financial circumstances and provider preferences.

Read the full Newsday article: 33,000 Long Islanders losing Medicare plans for 2027. What seniors need to know, by Matt Hooke, published November 3, 2026.

Why Are So Many Medicare Advantage Plans Changing in 2027?

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with the federal Medicare program.

Each year, insurance companies evaluate their Medicare Advantage offerings and may make changes to premiums, benefits, provider networks, service areas or the plans they offer.

Some plans continue with relatively minor changes. Others may undergo significant adjustments or be discontinued entirely.

For 2027, these changes are affecting a substantial number of Long Island beneficiaries.

While there are multiple factors behind insurer decisions, including financial considerations and healthcare costs, the reason a particular plan is ending can vary by insurance company and county.

Importantly, a discontinued Medicare Advantage plan does not mean the federal Medicare program itself is being canceled.

It means that a particular private Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be offered to affected members for the upcoming plan year.

Individuals affected by these changes may still have several coverage options available.

What Does It Mean When a Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued?

If your Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be offered in 2027, your current coverage generally remains in effect through December 31, 2026, as long as you remain eligible and enrolled.

However, you will need to review your options for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to:

1. Enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan available in your county.
2. Return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
3. Consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, also known as Medigap, to help cover eligible out-of-pocket expenses under Original Medicare.
4. Enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if needed.

If your Medicare Advantage plan is not renewed and you do not enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan before it ends, you will generally return to Original Medicare automatically.

However, Original Medicare does not automatically provide the same coverage structure as a Medicare Advantage plan, and you may need to arrange separate prescription drug coverage.

This is one of the most important reasons to review your options before your current plan ends.

2027 Medicare Advantage Changes in Nassau County, NY

Medicare beneficiaries in Nassau County are among those affected by Medicare Advantage plan discontinuations and coverage changes for 2027.

Residents of communities such as Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Great Neck, Hicksville, Levittown, Massapequa, Plainview, Syosset and other Nassau County areas should carefully review their 2027 coverage options.

Even if your Medicare Advantage insurance company will continue offering plans in Nassau County, the exact plan you currently have may not be available next year.

In addition, your existing plan may have changes involving:

• Primary care and specialist copayments
• Hospital and outpatient service costs
• Prescription drug coverage and pharmacy networks
• Dental, vision and hearing benefits
• Provider participation
• Annual maximum out-of-pocket expenses

Why Nassau County Residents Should Check Their Exact Plan

One important distinction is the difference between an insurance company accepting your doctor and your specific Medicare Advantage plan including that doctor in its network.

For example, a physician may participate with certain plans offered by an insurance company but not others.

Before enrolling, beneficiaries should confirm that their physicians participate in the specific 2027 Medicare Advantage plan, rather than relying solely on the insurance company’s name.

This can be particularly important for individuals who receive ongoing treatment from multiple specialists or who want continued access to particular hospitals and healthcare systems.

Need help reviewing Medicare coverage in Nassau County?

Plan Medicare’s licensed advisors can help you compare available Medicare coverage options and evaluate how different plans align with your healthcare needs.

2027 Medicare Advantage Changes in Suffolk County, NY

Suffolk County Medicare beneficiaries are also experiencing significant changes to their Medicare Advantage options for 2027.

For residents of Huntington, Smithtown, Commack, Hauppauge, Melville, Babylon, Islip, Patchogue, Brookhaven, Riverhead and surrounding communities, reviewing available plans is especially important.

Some beneficiaries may find that their existing Medicare Advantage plan is no longer offered in Suffolk County, while others may encounter changes to the costs or benefits associated with their current coverage.

What Suffolk County Beneficiaries Should Consider

When comparing available Medicare plans, begin by identifying your most important healthcare priorities.

For example, someone who regularly visits specialists may place a high value on provider network flexibility.

A beneficiary who takes several prescription medications may be more concerned about drug formularies, pharmacy networks and annual prescription costs.

Another individual may prioritize predictable monthly expenses or additional coverage for dental and hearing services.

There is no single Medicare Advantage plan that is necessarily best for every Suffolk County resident.

Coverage decisions should take into account the combination of benefits, provider access and costs that matters most to each individual.

Live in Suffolk County and received a Medicare plan cancellation letter?

Review your options before the December 7, 2026, Annual Enrollment deadline.

What to Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Canceled for 2027

Receiving a notice that your Medicare Advantage plan is ending can be stressful, particularly if you’ve been satisfied with your coverage.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make a more informed decision.

Step 1: Review Your Plan’s Discontinuation Notice

If your current Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be offered in 2027, carefully review the information provided by your insurance company.

Look for details explaining:

• When your current coverage will end
• Whether your plan is being discontinued or its service area is changing
• Whether your insurance company is offering another plan
• Your enrollment options and applicable deadlines
• Any special enrollment rights available to you

Do not assume that a replacement plan from the same insurer will provide identical benefits or provider access.

Step 2: Make a List of Your Doctors and Hospitals

Before comparing Medicare plans, create a list of the healthcare providers you want to continue seeing.

Include your primary care physician, specialists, preferred hospitals and any other providers involved in your ongoing care.

Verify participation with the exact Medicare Advantage plan you’re considering for 2027.

This is particularly important if you receive care from a specialist or healthcare facility that may not participate in every available network.

Step 3: Review Your Prescription Medications

Prescription drug coverage can vary significantly among Medicare Advantage plans and standalone Part D plans.

For each medication, gather the name, dosage, frequency and preferred pharmacy.

When comparing plans, check whether your drugs are covered, what they may cost and whether restrictions such as prior authorization, quantity limits or step therapy apply.

A plan with a low monthly premium may still result in higher overall costs if your prescription medications are more expensive under its formulary.

Step 4: Compare Your Total Healthcare Costs

Monthly premiums are only one part of the overall cost of Medicare coverage.

You should also consider:

• Primary care and specialist copayments
• Hospital inpatient and outpatient costs
• Deductibles
• Prescription drug expenses
• Out-of-network cost-sharing, when applicable
• The plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered medical services

A $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan does not necessarily mean that all healthcare services will be free.

Step 5: Understand Your Enrollment Rights

If your Medicare Advantage plan is not being renewed for 2027, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that extends beyond the regular Annual Enrollment deadline.

For qualifying plan non-renewals, Medicare provides additional time through February 28, 2027, to select replacement coverage.

However, it is generally preferable to make your decision before your current coverage ends so you can plan for the January 1 transition.

Special Enrollment Period rules vary depending on why a plan is ending, so confirm the enrollment period that applies to your circumstances.

Step 6: Get Help Comparing Available Options

Medicare coverage can be complicated, particularly when multiple plans appear similar.

Working with a licensed Medicare advisor can help you organize your options and identify important differences in plan benefits, costs and provider networks.

At Plan Medicare, our goal is to help beneficiaries understand their choices and make informed Medicare coverage decisions.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Which Is Better for 2027?

One of the most important decisions facing Medicare beneficiaries is whether to enroll in Medicare Advantage or receive their coverage through Original Medicare.

Both approaches provide Medicare coverage, but they work differently.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

They provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, except for certain services that remain covered by Original Medicare, and many plans also include prescription drug coverage.

Depending on the plan, additional benefits may include dental, vision, hearing or other services.

However, Medicare Advantage plans generally have provider networks and may require prior authorization for certain medical services.

Some plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), while others are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).

Coverage rules, costs and provider flexibility vary by plan.

Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement

Original Medicare includes Part A, which generally covers eligible inpatient hospital services, and Part B, which generally covers eligible physician services and outpatient care.

Beneficiaries can generally visit any healthcare provider nationwide who accepts Medicare.

However, Original Medicare has deductibles and coinsurance, and there is no annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part A and Part B services.

Many beneficiaries purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, to help pay certain eligible out-of-pocket costs.

A separate Part D prescription drug plan may also be necessary.

What Makes New York Different?

New York has important consumer protections regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Under New York State rules, insurers offering Medigap coverage generally must accept eligible Medicare applicants throughout the year, without denying coverage or charging different premiums based on health status.

Certain eligibility requirements and preexisting-condition waiting periods may still apply.

These protections can provide New York residents with additional flexibility when evaluating Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage.

However, premiums, coverage choices and overall costs should still be reviewed carefully.

Not sure whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement coverage makes more sense for 2027?

A licensed Plan Medicare advisor can help you compare your available options.

Why the Lowest Medicare Premium Isn’t Always the Best Deal

When choosing Medicare coverage, many beneficiaries naturally focus on monthly premiums.

But the lowest-premium option isn’t always the least expensive overall.

Consider two hypothetical Medicare beneficiaries.

The first visits a primary care physician once or twice a year, takes a small number of inexpensive prescriptions and rarely needs specialist care.

The second has several chronic conditions, regularly visits specialists and requires ongoing diagnostic testing and prescription treatment.

Even if both individuals live in the same ZIP code, the Medicare plan that works well for one may not be the most appropriate choice for the other.

That’s why evaluating total expected healthcare expenses is so important.

A Medicare plan comparison should account for anticipated medical services, prescription requirements, access to preferred providers and the beneficiary’s financial priorities.

Don’t Let Extra Benefits Distract You From Essential Coverage

One of the themes highlighted in Newsday’s November 3 report was the danger of focusing too heavily on additional Medicare Advantage benefits.

Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise benefits such as:

• Dental coverage
• Vision allowances
• Hearing aid benefits
• Fitness memberships
• Over-the-counter product allowances
• Other supplemental benefits, depending on the plan

These benefits can be valuable.

However, they should not be the primary reason for selecting a plan without first reviewing essential medical coverage.

For instance, an attractive dental allowance may be less valuable if the plan does not include the specialists or hospitals you expect to use.

Similarly, a plan offering additional benefits may have higher copayments for services you regularly need.

Before enrolling, ask yourself:

Does this Medicare plan cover the healthcare services, doctors, hospitals and medications that matter most to me?

That question should be central to any Medicare coverage decision.

How to Avoid Medicare Scams During Open Enrollment

Newsday’s reporting also highlighted the risks of Medicare-related scams and aggressive sales tactics.

During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, beneficiaries may receive frequent calls, emails, mailings and advertisements about coverage options.

Some communications may be legitimate, while others may be misleading or fraudulent.

To protect yourself:

• Never share your Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.
• Be cautious of anyone claiming that you must provide personal information immediately to avoid losing Medicare.
• Verify the identity of anyone offering Medicare assistance.
• Review Medicare statements for services or medical equipment you did not receive.
• Avoid enrolling based solely on promises of free benefits or gifts.
• Use trusted resources, including Medicare.gov and licensed professionals.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, you can contact 1-800-MEDICARE.

Choosing healthcare coverage is an important financial and medical decision. Beneficiaries should feel comfortable asking questions, reviewing their options and understanding the details before enrolling.

Important 2027 Medicare Enrollment Deadlines

For beneficiaries preparing for the 2027 plan year, several dates are especially important.

Not every enrollment period applies to every beneficiary.

If your Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued, confirm your specific options and deadlines before taking action.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2027 Medicare Changes on Long Island

Are Medicare Advantage plans being canceled on Long Island for 2027?

Yes. According to Newsday’s November 3, 2026, reporting, approximately 33,000 Medicare beneficiaries across Long Island are enrolled in plans being discontinued for 2027.

However, not every Medicare Advantage plan is ending. Available coverage options vary by insurance company, plan and county.

Is Medicare being canceled in 2027?

No. The federal Medicare program is not being canceled.

Some private Medicare Advantage plans are being discontinued or are changing their service areas, but eligible beneficiaries can continue receiving Medicare coverage.

What happens if my Medicare Advantage plan ends?

If your Medicare Advantage plan is not renewed and you do not enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan before your current coverage ends, you will generally return to Original Medicare.

You may need to enroll separately in prescription drug coverage and may wish to consider Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans for 2027?

Yes. During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, eligible beneficiaries can switch between available Medicare Advantage plans for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.

Additional enrollment opportunities may apply in certain circumstances.

What if I missed the December 7 Medicare enrollment deadline?

If your Medicare Advantage plan is not being renewed, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period through February 28, 2027.

Other Special Enrollment Periods may apply depending on your circumstances.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement in New York?

Eligible New York Medicare beneficiaries may be able to purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance throughout the year under the state’s continuous Medigap open enrollment protections.

However, the timing of your Medicare Advantage disenrollment, Original Medicare coverage and any separate prescription drug enrollment must be coordinated.

Will my doctors still accept my Medicare Advantage plan in 2027?

That depends on the specific Medicare Advantage plan and the provider’s network participation for 2027.

Even if a doctor accepts an insurance company, the doctor may not participate in every Medicare Advantage plan offered by that company.

Always verify your exact plan.

Do I have to change plans if my Medicare Advantage plan is continuing?

Not necessarily.

If your plan will continue in 2027 and still meets your needs, you may be able to remain enrolled without taking action.

However, it is important to review your Annual Notice of Change because premiums, copayments, coverage and provider networks may change from year to year.

Where can I compare Medicare Advantage plans in Nassau and Suffolk counties?

You can compare available plans through Medicare.gov’s official Plan Finder.

You can also seek assistance from licensed Medicare insurance advisors or New York’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP).

How Plan Medicare Helps Long Island Seniors Navigate Medicare Changes

Plan Medicare is an independent Medicare insurance brokerage based in Melville, New York, serving Medicare beneficiaries across Long Island and surrounding areas.

Founded by Brian Krantz, Plan Medicare helps individuals understand their Medicare coverage choices and compare available insurance options.

Our team assists individuals with:

• Reviewing Medicare Advantage plan changes
• Comparing Medicare Advantage HMOs and PPOs
• Evaluating Medicare Supplement Insurance options
• Reviewing Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
• Checking provider and hospital networks
• Comparing anticipated healthcare costs
• Understanding enrollment periods and eligibility requirements
• Navigating Medicare coverage transitions

Whether you’re turning 65, reviewing existing Medicare coverage or dealing with a discontinued Medicare Advantage plan, understanding your options is an important first step.

Need Help With Your 2027 Medicare Coverage? Speak With Plan Medicare

With approximately 33,000 Long Islanders affected by discontinued Medicare plans for 2027, reviewing your coverage before the end of the year is especially important.

If your plan is ending, your doctors are leaving your network or you’re concerned about changes to your prescription drug coverage, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Plan Medicare’s licensed advisors can help you evaluate available options based on your individual healthcare needs.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7, 2026.

Plan Medicare — Independent Medicare Insurance Advisors

Serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island and surrounding New York communities.

About the Newsday Feature

Publication: Newsday
Article: 33,000 Long Islanders losing Medicare plans for 2027. What seniors need to know.
Journalist: Matt Hooke
Published: November 3, 2026
Featured expert: Brian Krantz, Founder of Plan Medicare

[READ THE ORIGINAL NEWSDAY ARTICLE]

Newsday is an independent news organization. Its reporting does not constitute an endorsement of Plan Medicare.