Blue KC recently announced its departure from the Medicare Advantage market for 2025. The decision is due to increasing regulatory pressure and financial unsustainability.

This leaves Blue KC MA members in both Johnson and Wyandotte Counties left with an unexpected healthcare decision for 2025: continue with an Advantage plan with another carrier or take Original Medicare. Either way, members should review their options carefully and must take action.

Beneficiaries have expressed concern about Blue KC’s departure. Individuals have time to make an informed decision. During Medicare Open Enrollment, now underway, members can make plan changes with an extension through the end of the year. If a plan has not been made by Dec. 31, members will default to a Medigap plan and lose their prescription coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Members will receive a Special Open Enrollment period from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 for additional changes.

Those considering a Medigap plan will qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights, which means underwriting will not be imposed for these Blue KC MA members, moving back to Original Medicare.

Members should check with providers about network changes they may be considering. Locally, Lawrence Memorial Hospital will no longer accept MA plans from both Aetna and Humana in 2025. North Kansas City Hospital has ended Aetna MA plans next year.

Please review current benefits to ensure healthcare needs such as vision, dental and hearing are covered under your new plan.