Question: My Medicare Advantage Plan was discontinued for 2026, and I was getting ready to select a new plan for 2026 and then I got a card in the mail from Wellcare Classic. I did not sign up for this, why did I get this insurance card for next year?

Answer: Many individuals with Medicare Advantage Plans are suffering from a similar situation to yours. Their Medicare Advantage Plans have been cancelled. This cancelled plan requires you to make a new choice for 2026.

Your situation has another layer; you appear to be eligible for Extra Help or Low Income Subsidy (LIS). I know this because you were sent the Wellcare Classic card.

Now let’s delve into the rest. The Wellcare Classic plan is one of two (2) Benchmark Part D plans available in 2026. The other Benchmark plan is HealthSpring Assurance, so I am sure there are some individuals out there who got this Part D plan information.

The two Benchmark plans are called that because their coverage levels qualify the plan premiums to be paid in full by Medicare when you are eligible for Extra Help/LIS. In signing you up for this plan, Medicare has not created any new premium costs for you for 2026. Medicare cannot auto-enroll you into a Medicare Advantage Plan, because there are too many factors they don’t know. Therefor you are enrolled into a Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), that will work with Original Medicare. If you do nothing right now during Open Enrollment, you will have Original Medicare part A & B and the Part D plan that you were enrolled into.

When an individual is eligible for Extra Help/LIS they receive extra protection from Medicare. That protection is to ensure that they are never without drug coverage. Medicare knows that your Medicare Advantage Plan has been discontinued so they randomly assigned you a Benchmark Part D plan, either Wellcare Classic or HealthSpring Assurance.

That is why you got that card and packet of material in the mail.

It is also important to understand that you can still make your own choice. As you work through your decision-making process, even if it is after you have received the Wellcare Classic or HealthSpring Assurance information, you can make your own decision for 2026. Your active choice and enrollment override the auto enrollment that Medicare did to protect you from being without drug coverage.

So, I strongly recommend that you continue to do research, review your insurance options and enroll in the plan that works the best for you for 2026. Be sure to evaluate plans that include your physicians, your medications, and your pharmacy first. Then evaluate the plan based on premiums, copays and extra benefits you may receive.

So often when speaking with individuals, they talk about wanting a plan that includes dental or health club membership.

But if the plan doesn’t include your physicians, or the copays for health care are significant, you may not be making the best overall choice. After all this is a Health Insurance Plan. You need to be sure it is working for your Health care needs first.

Once you have done your research and enrolled in your desired plan for 2026, that same Wellcare Classic or HealthSpring Assurance plan will send you a letter confirming your cancellation of that plan. Your choice and enrollment will override the Medicare protection.

Remember also that because your plan was discontinued you have extra time to make your health plan choice. Your enrollment period has extended to December 31 to enroll into a plan that will begin January 1. You still have some time left, but don’t wait too long.

Happy Insurance Season!

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.