Braven Health Will Exit Medicare Advantage Market
The insurer will stop offering its Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey after December 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you trust private insurance companies to provide stable long-term healthcare coverage for seniors?
Braven Health will conclude its Medicare Advantage operations in all 21 New Jersey counties on December 31, 2026. The insurer, which currently serves 42,000 customers in the state, notified its members that they will need to secure alternative coverage options for 2027.
Why it matters
The company cited difficult market conditions and rising health care spending as primary factors that prevented it from continuing to provide high-quality coverage. Rising utilization rates at medical facilities following the COVID-19 pandemic have placed significant financial strain on the plan.
Braven Health currently covers 42,000 customers across every county in New Jersey. In comparison, Medicare Advantage adoption among state seniors has reached 41%, a significant increase from 16% a decade ago.
The players
Braven Health
This insurance provider is a partnership between Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health, and RWJBarnabas Health.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
This is a major health insurer in New Jersey and a joint owner of Braven Health.
Hackensack Meridian Health
This is a network of health care providers in New Jersey and a joint owner of Braven Health.
RWJBarnabas Health
This is a large integrated health care delivery system in New Jersey and a joint owner of Braven Health.
The details
Braven Health, a joint venture owned by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health, and RWJBarnabas Health, will cease all Medicare Advantage offerings. Affected members must transition to original Medicare with a supplemental plan or choose a different Medicare Advantage carrier during the upcoming enrollment windows.
Timeline
The Medicare annual open enrollment period begins October 15, 2026.
The Medicare annual open enrollment period ends December 7, 2026.
Braven Health will officially exit the Medicare Advantage market on December 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
This exit aligns with the broader industry struggle where many insurers report that their plans are no longer profitable due to surging care costs. It reflects a trend where providers are increasingly forced to re-evaluate their portfolios to maintain financial viability.
Affected customers in New Jersey will need to select a new Medicare plan or return to original Medicare to ensure they remain covered in 2027. Seniors in areas like Monmouth and Ocean counties currently have various options from other carriers to consider during the next enrollment cycle.
The takeaway
Insurance markets can change quickly, so it is important for seniors to review their coverage options annually to ensure their plan still meets their health and financial needs. Comparing available local plans during the enrollment period can help prevent gaps in medical coverage.
What happens next
Braven Health customers should monitor their mail for official notices and prepare to evaluate new Medicare Advantage plans during the annual open enrollment period, which begins October 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on insurance changes in the region, visit New Jersey Healthcare.
Live Poll
Do you trust private insurance companies to provide stable long-term healthcare coverage for seniors?
