The current Medicare Advantage plan provider networks have changed for 2026. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan in central Iowa, you may want to confirm that you have in-network access to every provider you want.

Mayo Clinic recently dropped Humana and United Healthcare for 2026. They are following suit with other Mayo Clinic locations to limit the number of Medicare customers in an effort to find a balance to remain profitable. In case you did not know, Medicare pays a fraction of what private Insurance (under age 65) pays them. So, they need a balance and if thy get too many Medicare patients, they start losing money. I don’t think Mayo clinic in Arizona has been taking any new Medicare patients for several years. Last year Mayo Clinic in Florida stopped taking all Medicare Advantage plans. Now, Mayo Clinic in Rochester is heading that direction. Why are they starting with Medicare Advantage plans? They told me they don’t need prior authorization with original Medicare like they have to get with Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Advantage plans manage care. Wellmark Blue Advantage PPO is still in their network and is one of very few still accepted at Mayo Clinic for 2026.

Mary Greeley Hospital has dropped Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026. As of today, I am doubtful that this will change for Jan. 1.

Mercy One, Mercy Hospital, Iowa Heart and Iowa Clinic currently do not accept Humana in-network.

Locally:

Center Associates will no longer accept AARP Medicare Advantage plans offered by United Healthcare beginning 2026, citing inadequate reimbursement rates.

Nucara Home Medical Supply is out-of-network with Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage plans.

Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage PPO dropped their Silver Sneakers program for 2026 citing only 7% of their members utilized the fitness membership. United Healthcare, Aetna and Humana still include fitness programs that include memberships at the YMCA and Planet Fitness.

The Medicare annual enrollment period ends Dec. 7. This applies to Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs Jan. 1-March 31 and allows one plan change during that time.