Major Medicare Advantage Changes Coming in 2026: Kettering Health Ends Contracts with Humana and Devoted

Kettering Health has announced it will end its Medicare Advantage contracts with Humana and Devoted Health at the end of 2025. The decision means that beginning January 1, 2026, patients enrolled in these plans will no longer have in-network access to Kettering Health hospitals, physicians, and facilities.

Why Kettering Health Is Making This Change

The health system cited administrative burdens and payment issues as key reasons for the contract terminations. In recent years, Kettering Health and other hospital networks across the country have reported challenges with claim denials, delayed payments, and complex authorization processes under certain Medicare Advantage plans.

By ending these contracts, Kettering Health aims to simplify billing and improve the overall patient experience — allowing its teams to focus more on direct care rather than administrative red tape.

What This Means for Medicare Beneficiaries in 2026

If you’re currently enrolled in a Humana or Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plan and use Kettering Health providers, this change will impact your coverage starting January 1, 2026. After that date, you may need to select a new plan that includes Kettering Health in its provider network or switch back to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan.

Fortunately, there are several opportunities to make these changes:

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

• Dates: October 15, 2025 – December 7, 2025

• During AEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, return to Original Medicare, or enroll in a new plan that meets your needs.

• Any changes made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

• Dates: January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026

• If you realize your current plan no longer works for you after the new year, you’ll have another opportunity to make one plan change during this window.

• Coverage from that change begins the month after your new enrollment is processed.

Kettering Health’s Plan to Support Patients

Kettering Health has begun notifying affected patients about the upcoming changes. The health system is also partnering with local Medicare advisors, including RetireMed, to help beneficiaries review their coverage options. These advisors can provide free one-on-one guidance to ensure patients understand their choices before the new contracts take effect.

What You Should Do Next

1. Watch for official notices — Affected patients will receive letters explaining how the changes may impact their care.

2. Mark key Medicare dates — AEP (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) and MA OEP (Jan. 1–Mar. 31).

3. Review your plan network — Confirm whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered for 2026.

4. Speak with a licensed Medicare advisor — They can help you compare plan options based on cost, coverage, and provider access.

5. Act early — Taking action before the end of the year ensures uninterrupted access to care.

The Bigger Picture: Medicare Changes to Watch in 2026

Kettering Health’s decision reflects a growing national trend as hospitals reassess their participation in certain Medicare Advantage networks. Across the U.S., more providers are citing rising administrative costs, tighter reimbursements, and increased prior authorization requirements as reasons for re-evaluating these contracts.

As 2026 approaches, Medicare beneficiaries should pay close attention to:

• Provider network changes in their area

• Adjustments to premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket limits

• Expanded supplemental benefits being added by competing Medicare Advantage plans

These shifts highlight the importance of reviewing your coverage every year — even if you’re satisfied with your current plan — to ensure your preferred doctors, hospitals, and medications remain covered.

💡 Need Help Reviewing Your Medicare Coverage for 2026?

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your plan or want help comparing your options, our Medicare Pros can guide you every step of the way. We’ll review your coverage, explain your choices, and help you find a plan that fits your doctors, budget, and needs.

👉 Book a free appointment with a Medicare Pro today

---

Reference: Source — “Kettering Health to End Medicare Advantage Contracts with Humana, Inc. and Devoted Health, Inc.” Kettering Health Newsroom. Published September 29, 2025. Read the official announcement here.