What is a Service Area Reduction (SAR)?

A Service Area Reduction (SAR) occurs when a Medicare Advantage plan decides to stop offering coverage in a specific geographic area. This can affect entire counties, ZIP codes, or even states. Beneficiaries in these areas may need to find new coverage options.

What Should You Do If Your Plan is Affected?

If you receive a notification about a SAR, you have several options:

1. Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan: Depending on your area, you may have multiple plans to choose from. Always check if your doctors are in-network.

2. Return to Original Medicare: If you lose your Medicare Advantage plan, you can revert to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). This may also allow you to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.

3. Explore Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): If your plan is discontinued, you may qualify for a SEP, allowing you to enroll in a new plan outside the usual enrollment periods.

Key Dates

• The Special Enrollment Period for those affected by contract non-renewals begins on December 8 and lasts until the end of February. During this time, you can select a new plan without being restricted by standard enrollment timelines.

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Are you on the right plan for 2026?  There is still time to make an appointment   We can help!   At Maine Medicare Choices, as an Independent Medicare agency we look for the plan that suits your needs the best. 

We Compare the co pays and find you the lowest  costs possible while choosing the maximum benefits you can get.  Then its up to you,  You pick the plan and we help you each step of the way.

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If you want to change plans right here select Easy Choice 1. If you want want a Free Consultation and individual one on one meeting, that is Easy choice 2.

If you have Mainecare you need to select Easy choice 2.  The Choice is Easy either way at Mainemedicarechoices.   

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