If you’ve been enjoying extra perks from your Medicare Advantage plan — like dental coverage, free gym memberships, or generous over-the-counter benefits — you may start noticing changes.
Across the country, many Medicare Advantage plans are potentially reducing benefits and some insurers are potentially leaving the New Hampshire Medicare Advantage market altogether. The Wall Street Journal recently called this trend “The Medicare Pullback” — and it’s already shaping the choices available for 2026.
Why Is This Happening?
- Rising medical costs: Hospitals, specialists, and prescription drug prices are becoming more expensive.
- Lower government payments: The federal government is tightening payments to Medicare Advantage plans after concerns about overpayments.
- Industry adjustments: Insurers are focusing on profitability by potentially scaling back Medicare Advantage enrollment, potentially reducing service areas, and shifting more plans to HMO models in states like New Hampshire.
What Could Change for New Hampshire Residents?
Some Medicare Advantage carriers in New Hampshire may potentially reduce the number of counties they serve, potentially pull out of the Medicare Advantage marketplace entirely, or shift more plans to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) models. HMO plans often have more limited provider networks and require referrals for specialists, which may affect your flexibility in choosing doctors and care.
This could affect coverage in counties including Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire, Strafford, Grafton, Sullivan, Belknap, Carroll, Coös, and others.
Rural Counties Could Be More Impacted
Rural areas of New Hampshire, such as Coös, Carroll, and Sullivan counties, may face more significant impacts. These regions typically have fewer insurance options to begin with, and a reduction or exit of Medicare Advantage plans — especially if shifted to HMO-only options — could mean:
- Even fewer choices of plans and providers
- Larger provider network gaps, forcing longer travel for care
- Increased premiums or higher out-of-pocket costs due to limited competition
- Less flexibility to see out-of-network doctors
What This Means for You
This could mean fewer plan choices and benefits for local seniors, including:
- Reduced extra benefits like dental, vision, or fitness memberships
- Smaller provider networks and more restrictive plan rules under HMO models
- Potential increases in premiums or out-of-pocket costs
- The possibility of needing to switch Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire if your current plan is no longer available
The main Medicare Advantage carriers in New Hampshire include:
- WellSense Health Plan
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Martin’s Point Health Care
- Humana
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
It’s Not Just Medicare Advantage
This pullback is part of a wider trend affecting Medicaid and ACA Marketplace insurance plans, too.
What You Can Do
- Review your plan every year — don’t assume benefits stay the same.
- Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are still covered by your Medicare Advantage plan.
- Stay informed about your options so you can make the best decisions during open enrollment.
How Our Agents at Woodpecker Insurance Can Help
Here in Concord, we’re tracking these changes so you don’t have to. Whether you want to stay in Medicare Advantage, switch plans, or just get clear answers, we provide personalized, no-pressure guidance about Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire, including all major counties and carriers. Contact us today to get started!
Bottom line: Medicare Advantage benefits may shrink in 2026, and some Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire might potentially reduce coverage areas, leave the market, or shift more plans to HMO models — with rural counties like Coös, Carroll, and Sullivan potentially more affected. It’s smart to start planning now for open enrollment.