Be Prepared for Medicare Advantage Changes

This story is brought to you by Blue Cross of Idaho, which is part of an Idaho-based, not-for-profit mutual insurance holding company group dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. We are the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, and the only Idaho-based insurer serving the entire state. Blue Cross of Idaho offers a broad portfolio of health plans for employers of all sizes, as well as individual and Medicare plans. Our plans offer innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of Idahoans and Idaho-based employers.

Every fall, Medicare’s annual enrollment period brings important decisions for Idaho seniors. This year, those choices will look a little different in East Idaho. Like many other health insurers, Blue Cross of Idaho is making changes to our Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings for 2026. Some of our plans will no longer be available, but we are offering new options in specific counties.

We know that any change to a health plan can feel unsettling. Some east Idaho residents may recall similar changes during a previous enrollment period, when other insurers reduced their offerings or withdrew from counties entirely.

The cost of care continues to climb, and Congress has yet to pass reforms that address the long-term challenges of MA. That combination has forced insurers across the country to make difficult choices. These are industry-wide pressures that impact Medicare Advantage nationwide, not just in Idaho.

For 2026, Blue Cross of Idaho will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in seven counties across the state, including Clark County. We are also making premium adjustments across the state. Members losing coverage or seeing a premium adjustment will have an opportunity to select a new plan during the annual enrollment period which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025.

There is also promising news for just seniors in east Idaho. Through a new partnership with Greater Good Health, we are introducing a Medicare Advantage plan in Bonneville and Jefferson counties that includes access to a senior-focused primary care clinic in Idaho Falls. This clinic offers an elevated primary care experience and is specifically designed for older adults. Greater Good Health provides high-quality care while offering longer appointment times, coordinated care, same-day or next-day appointments, and a focus on overall wellness.

We’re excited about this partnership for seniors in east Idaho. Greater Good Health’s care model reflects what healthcare should feel like: attentive, accessible, and centered around the patient. We strongly believe that partnerships like this represent the future of primary care — especially in areas where seniors often face long wait times for appointments.

Changing MA plans can feel stressful, which is why it’s important to take action now. Licensed, independent insurance brokers are available in your community to walk you through the options, compare benefits, and help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget. The services of these independent insurance brokers are free to you. Additionally, Blue Cross of Idaho representatives are also ready to answer questions.

Our goal is to remain a stable, long-term healthcare partner for Idaho. By scaling back some offerings while investing in innovative partnerships, such as ours with Greater Good Health in Bonneville and Jefferson counties, we are positioning ourselves to better serve Idaho seniors for years to come.