We do not handle Medi-Cal enrollment; please use the official resource, and complete the form pre-check to confirm eligibility.
We do not handle Medi-Cal enrollment; please use the official resource, and complete the form pre-check to confirm eligibility.
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California Health Insurance Industry Updates Health Insurance Basics Medicare Insights
November 14, 2025
Tom FeeneyIf you’re currently enrolled in a PPO Medicare Advantage plan and you’ve recently learned that your carrier is exiting the California market for 2026, you’re not alone. At Medical Insurance Today, we’ve been fielding an unprecedented number of calls from seniors across the state who are facing the very same issue: their PPO Advantage plan is going away, and they’re unsure of what to do next.
Our team has spent the past decade specializing in Medicare Advantage and Medigap solutions for California residents. Because roughly 75–80% of our clients are enrolled in Advantage plans, we’ve had a front-row seat to the rapid growth—and the sudden 2026 disruption—of PPO Advantage offerings in our state.
This article breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how we’re helping Californians secure stable, smart coverage for the year ahead.
UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross are discontinuing their PPO Advantage plans statewide, leaving hundreds of thousands of California seniors needing to transition to a new plan before the December 7th Medicare deadline.
Aetna offers a $0 premium PPO Advantage plan with a large national network, making it the most seamless alternative. Alignment Health provides another PPO option with a $45 premium and a growing provider network.
We evaluate your doctors, prescriptions, and preferred providers to match you with the right plan—at no cost to you. Our experienced, bilingual team helps ensure you enter 2026 with stable, reliable healthcare coverage.
Read the Full Blog Here:
Over the past 8–10 years, PPO Advantage plans have surged in popularity, especially among Medicare beneficiaries seeking flexibility and affordable premiums.
Why? Because PPO Advantage plans offer:
This combination of affordability and freedom has made PPO Advantage the preferred choice for retirees who want control over their care without breaking the bank.
The challenge we are addressing right now is significant: UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross are discontinuing their PPO Advantage offerings in California for 2026.
This change will leave hundreds of thousands of Californians searching for a replacement plan during the tight Medicare enrollment window.
At Medical Insurance Today, we work closely with these carriers and with thousands of clients who rely on them. We understand how unsettling it is—especially for seniors dealing with ongoing healthcare needs—to learn that their trusted plan will be gone by January.
But there is a solution.
Even though several legacy carriers are exiting the PPO Advantage space, two strong companies are still offering PPO plans for 2026:
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Network Strength | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna PPO Advantage | $0 (Southern California) | Large national network; strong California participation | • Excellent doctor participation • Stable national footprint • Strong senior brand trust | Seniors wanting a zero-premium PPO with broad provider access |
| Alignment Health PPO Advantage | $45 | Expanding California network | • Senior-focused care programs • Growing provider options • Innovative health management tools | Seniors wanting enhanced care programs and are comfortable paying a small premium |
Still, the price difference is driving many Californians toward the Aetna zero-premium option.
We’re having honest, proactive conversations with our clients about the possibility that PPO Advantage plans could be pulled entirely in future years.
If that happens, traditional Medigap would remain a stable backup option—though it carries a significantly higher monthly cost.
For now, our goal is simple:
Secure you a strong, stable plan for 2026, with the ability to reassess next year if the market changes.
As of today, we have only a three- to four-week window before the December 7th Medicare Annual Election Period deadline closes. That’s when you must enroll to begin new coverage in January.
Our process is quick—typically 30 to 45 minutes—and our licensed, bilingual team will:
We never charge fees. We’re paid directly by the insurance companies, and we’re committed to giving you transparent, expert guidance every step of the way.
If you’ve lost your PPO Advantage plan for 2026—or simply want to explore stronger options—our team is ready to help you navigate the transition with confidence.
👉 If you’re in need of some help, contact us here today. We look forward to serving you and helping you secure the right healthcare coverage for the year ahead.
Several major insurers—including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross—are exiting the PPO Advantage market due to regulatory and reimbursement shifts affecting 2026 plan structures. This statewide change impacts hundreds of thousands of California seniors who must now choose a new plan during the Medicare Annual Election Period.
The strongest PPO options still available for 2026 include Aetna PPO Advantage, which offers a $0 monthly premium in Southern California, and Alignment Health PPO, which provides a competitive $45 premium and an expanding doctor network. Both options protect PPO flexibility for those who want to maintain out-of-network access and avoid traditional Medigap costs.
Our licensed Medicare specialists review your doctors, medications, and healthcare needs to match you with the right 2026 plan—at no cost to you. We handle the full enrollment process in 30–45 minutes, ensuring you meet the December 7th deadline and enter 2026 with secure, reliable coverage backed by our bilingual support team.
Medical Insurance Today is a vibrant, customer focused team with answers for you and your families, on healthcare insurance. After decades of being in this sector, we have created a concierge level service that puts you and your families first with live human agents who are bilingual in English and Spanish. You can also come in and see us at our new location in Costa Mesa, California. Our aim is to make your life easier to access our services both in person or online.
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