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Massachusetts Blue Cross cuts Medicare Advantage options for 2027
About 20,000 Massachusetts seniors will need to choose new coverage after Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts said it is ending several Medicare Advantage plans and restricting enrollment in others. The insurer cited $275 million in losses across its plans in 2024 and 2025.
About 20,000 Massachusetts residents will have to find new health insurance for 2027 after Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced it would discontinue several Medicare Advantage plans and sharply limit enrollment in the plans it keeps.
The state’s largest health insurer said it is scaling back the offerings to address $275 million in losses across its Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 and 2025. The changes affect coverage provided through the federal program for people 65 and older, which private insurers administer.
Tom Stambaugh, 74, of Somerville, is among those losing his current plan. He said he and his wife face both the burden of switching coverage and higher costs: his insurance premium is expected to be nearly three times what he paid in 2026.
The change means affected members will need to compare available plans for 2027. Blue Cross is also limiting how many people can join its remaining Medicare Advantage options, though details about the specific plans and enrollment limits were not included in the available information.