Medicare Advantage Plans Drop Coverage in Montana
Several Medicare Advantage and drug plans are leaving Flathead County and Sanders County hospital networks for 2027, with an enrollment window open.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Senior Health
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Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Health Care Medicare Advantage plans, along with the SilverScript by Aetna drug plan, are dropping coverage in Flathead County for 2027. Clark Fork Valley Hospital has not reached an agreement with an insurer marketing plans in Sanders County.
Why it matters
Seniors who rely on these plans for medications, pharmacies or providers will need to choose new coverage. Montana residents who lost plans this year have until February 28, 2027 to enroll in a new one.
The figures come from insurer plan-availability notices compiled by the Flathead County Agency on Aging. Affected seniors have until February 28, 2027 to enroll, but the status of the Sanders County hospital agreement remains unresolved.
The players
Carla Dyment
Carla Dyment is a Montana public official whose office provides guidance to seniors on Medicare coverage options.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital
Clark Fork Valley Hospital is a rural hospital serving Sanders County and surrounding communities in western Montana.
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana is a major U.S. health insurer offering Medicare Advantage plans nationwide.
The details
Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Health Care Medicare Advantage plans and the SilverScript by Aetna drug plan are leaving Flathead County. Clark Fork Valley Hospital and Family Medicine Network will continue to participate with Humana Medicare Advantage for 2027, while the hospital will not be in network with Range Health/True West Medicare Advantage plans.
Timeline
October 15: Medicare Advantage open enrollment period began.
December 7: Typical deadline to review drug plans and sign up for new plans.
December 31: Flathead County Agency on Aging State Health Insurance Assistance Program appointments accepted through this date.
January 1, 2027: Typical coverage start date for newly selected plans.
February 28, 2027: Additional enrollment deadline for seniors who lost plans this year.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Window
Plan exits during the annual Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, which runs each fall, force seniors to switch coverage at the same time insurers announce network changes. The February 28, 2027 extension gives Montana seniors who lost plans this year additional time to choose new coverage.
Seniors in Flathead and Sanders counties should review their drug lists and preferred pharmacies before choosing a replacement plan, since networks differ between insurers. Those who lost plans this year can use the extended February 28, 2027 deadline if they cannot decide before December.
The takeaway
Compare drug lists, pharmacies and provider networks before enrolling in a new plan. Seniors can search plans by medication and provider through their Medicare.gov account.
What happens next
Seniors affected by plan exits can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or drug plan through February 28, 2027, and new selections typically take effect January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Senior Health coverage for Montana residents.
More information
Find Medicare Advantage details and State Health Insurance Assistance Program appointments through the Flathead County Agency on Aging page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Inter Lake.
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