Hillsborough County: Your 2027 Medicare Choices Changed. Here's What to Check by December 7.

By Marc Gilman

Questions? Call (800) 927-9326 or email marc@gilmanagency.com

A longer version of this article was first published on gilmanagency.com.

If you're on Medicare in Manchester, Nashua or Bedford, don't assume your plan, or your options, are the same as last year. New Hampshire's Medicare Advantage market is down to three companies for 2027, some plans are ending, and a new company has entered Hillsborough County. Annual Enrollment ends December 7.

Who Offers Plans in Hillsborough County?

Humana, UnitedHealthcare and Devoted Health offer Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire for 2027. Devoted is new to the state and offers plans in Hillsborough, Grafton and Sullivan counties. Since 2027 is its first year with a New Hampshire network, checking your doctors and hospital matters more than usual.

Plans also differ by ZIP code in the case of Medicare Supplements. A plan your friend has in Merrimack may not be offered in Hudson, so start with what's available where you live.

What Should You Check First?

Compare in this order, and look at the premium last:

1. Your doctors and hospital, whether that's Elliot or Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, or Southern New Hampshire Medical Center or St. Joseph in Nashua. If you see Dartmouth Health doctors in Manchester, Bedford or Nashua, confirm their network status shortly before you enroll, since some 2027 contracts were still being negotiated in late October.

2. Your prescriptions, each one on the plan's 2027 drug list. Covered Part D drug costs are capped at $2,400 for the year in 2027.

3. Your total costs: premium, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum.

Is Your Plan Ending December 31?

If you got a letter saying your plan won't be offered in 2027, including UnitedHealthcare's NH-0003 and NH-1, you have options:

• Choose a new plan by December 7 for January 1 coverage.

• Buy a Medigap plan with no health questions, starting 60 days before your plan ends and up to 63 days after. Keep your letter.

• Use the Special Enrollment Period through February 28, 2027, though a later start can leave a gap.

If you do nothing, you'll have Original Medicare only on January 1, with no drug coverage.

Living With Diabetes or a Heart Condition?

A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan designed for specific conditions. Devoted's 2027 C-SNPs cover diabetes, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and valvular heart disease. The plan confirms your condition with your doctor. If you qualify, you can join a C-SNP outside Annual Enrollment too.

The Bottom Line

Already enrolled? You can still change through December 7th, and your last choice is the one that counts. A second look now is easier than a surprise in January.

What's the biggest question you have about your 2027 Medicare plan? Share it in the comments, and I'll answer.

Call Gilman Agency at (800) 927-9326 or request a call. We meet by phone, by video or in person in Bedford..

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 28 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

This article is for general information only and isn't a recommendation of any plan. Plan availability, networks, drug coverage and costs vary by plan and ZIP code and can change. Gilman Agency is a licensed insurance agency in New Hampshire.