The upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will be disruptive for many Medicare Advantage members in our region as payers exit or consolidate service areas, requiring members to choose new Medicare Advantage plans or return to original Medicare coverage. 

Sanford Health Plan is not leaving the Medicare Advantage market, but we are sunsetting some plans and offering new plans with redesigned benefits. This means some of our members will need to re-enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan. 

We are offering several support sessions to help our Medicare Advantage members understand their coverage and next steps, including:

• Member information sessions: These educational events are designed for members who need to reenroll due to plan changes. Sessions will provide an overview of upcoming changes, available resources and next steps. Members will be directed to licensed agents and retention resources for enrollment assistance beginning Oct. 15.
• Answer Centers: Members can visit a location to connect members with appointed, licensed agents who can help answer questions and guide them through enrollment decisions.
• Member education sessions: Small group sessions hosted by appointed, licensed agents. These sessions are available to members who need to reenroll to learn about the 2027 plan options available to them and next steps.

We know providers are one of the most trusted resources members turn to when they have questions about their healthcare coverage and care experience. While Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations limit discussions about plan options and providers cannot recommend or steer enrollment decisions, providers play an important role in helping members understand what to expect during AEP and where to go for assistance.

To help prepare providers and clinic staff for member questions, Sanford Health Plan has developed several resources, including:

• Provider FAQs outlining what members may experience during AEP 
• Member handouts that clinics, hospital leaders and Good Samaritan administrators can print or order: Align powered by Sanford Health Plan | Great Plains Medicare Advantage

The handout is intended for members and patients who have questions about their Medicare Advantage coverage and will help direct them to appropriate support resources.

By providing timely education, compliant talking points and member-focused resources, we can help ensure a positive and consistent experience for Medicare Advantage members throughout the enrollment season.

Thank you for your partnership and for the important role you play in supporting our members and patients.