Iowa Medicare beneficiaries face widespread plan cancellations

The 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Plans has commenced, running from October 15, 2026, through December 7, 2026.

In Iowa, more than 87,000 beneficiaries have been notified that their current Medicare plans are being canceled or discontinued in their respective counties. A significant change for 2027 includes the loss of in-network coverage with the Mayo Clinic for Iowans, following the cancellation of Medicare Advantage PPO plans from Wellmark and Medica.

Affected individuals in certain areas, such as Monroe County, face the discontinuation of specific plans from providers including Wellmark Advantage Health Plan, Aetna SilverScript Choice, and Humana Full Access. Those whose plans are canceled qualify for “Guaranteed Issue” rights, allowing them to switch to Original Medicare and purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without medical underwriting.