It’s currently Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7), and this year, it’s important to understand how your insurance choices for 2027 may affect where you can receive care. The plan you select can determine which doctors, specialists, and hospitals are available to you, making it worth taking a closer look at your options before re-enrolling or selecting new coverage this year.
Our priority is helping patients understand their coverage options and maintain access to the healthcare providers they know and trust. Some Medicare Advantage plans are changing their provider networks for 2027 and specifically dropping rural health providers. This may affect your access to certain healthcare providers and services.
Both Barton Health and Carson Valley Health accept Original Medicare, which generally offers greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. Original Medicare can also be paired with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility and medical underwriting requirements may apply when purchasing supplemental coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans typically use provider networks, or a pre-arranged group of providers and facilities. Before enrolling, confirm your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the plan’s network. For 2027, Medicare Advantage options accepted at Barton and Carson Valley Health include Humana for Douglas County residents and Imperial Health or UnitedHealthcare for El Dorado County residents. Plan availability and provider participation can vary by location and coverage option.
As you compare plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Prescription drug coverage, deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums, and access to your preferred healthcare providers are all important considerations.
For many people in our region, receiving care close to home is important. Whether that means seeing a trusted primary care provider, visiting a specialist nearby, or avoiding longer drives for appointments, your health plan can play an important role in maintaining access to the care you know.
Taking time now to review your choices can help you avoid unexpected changes to your healthcare access in the coming year and support continuity of care with the providers you trust.
-By Melissa Williams
Melissa Williams oversees patient access and financial services at Barton Health and Carson Valley Health. For more information, visit BartonHealth.org or call 530.543.5930 to speak with a Barton Health representative, or visit CarsonValleyHealth.org or call 775.782.1625 to speak with a Carson Valley Health representative.