Market in Maryland poses a risk of forcing more Medicare Advantage insurance plans to leave the state

In Maryland, a significant number of retirees are facing uncertainty about their health care plans for the upcoming fall. The supplemental Medicare care program, designed to help low-income retirees, could be discontinued, leaving tens of thousands of retirees without access to crucial additional services such as vision, dental, and transportation assistance.

If the program is indeed discontinued, retirees may need to find new providers, which could result in increased out-of-pocket costs. Major insurance providers in Maryland are considering ending their Medicare Advantage plans for next year, but as of now, the exact decisions have not been finalized.

The Maryland Department of Aging and Disabilities, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the Maryland Association of Aging Services Providers, and the Maryland Health Care for All Coalition are all working to find alternative health care options for retirees and advocate for the continuation of the program.

The Maryland General Assembly is also considering legislation to ensure the continuation of the supplemental Medicare care program for low-income retirees. Currently, approximately 25% of Maryland Medicare recipients use a supplemental Medicare care program, and some retirees have expressed concerns about the potential loss of their current health care plan and the uncertainty surrounding the availability of alternative options.

While the situation is uncertain, it is clear that the potential discontinuation of the supplemental Medicare care program could have a significant impact on Maryland's healthcare system and its retirees.