Aetna has announced that several of its Aetna Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans will be discontinued in select Northern Nevada counties starting with the 2026 plan year. This decision impacts a number of Aetna’s PPO and HMO-POS plans, which have served Medicare beneficiaries across the region in recent years.
As a result, thousands of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in these plans will no longer have access to their current coverage after December 31, 2025. This includes individuals who may rely on Aetna’s network for ongoing care, medications, and specific provider relationships. Impacted members will need to review and enroll in a new Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025, to ensure continuous coverage into the new year.
This change makes it especially important for affected individuals to carefully compare their options—whether that means switching to another Medicare Advantage plan or considering Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a standalone Part D drug plan. Each option comes with different provider networks, costs, and benefits, and selecting the right one depends on your unique healthcare needs and budget.
This sunset will impact Aetna Medicare Advantage beneficiaries currently enrolled in these plans who reside in rural counties, including but not limited to:
- Carson City County
- Douglas County
- Churchill County
- Lyon County
- Elko County
- Humboldt County
- Other surrounding rural counties
The following Aetna Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be offered in rural Northern Nevada counties in 2026:
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Choice (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Value (HMO-POS)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plus (HMO-POS)
- Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO-POS)
The following Aetna Medicare Advantage plan will NOT be affected by this change, and will continue to be offered in rural Northern Nevada counties:
- Aetna Medicare Dual Preferred (HMO D-SNP)
To qualify for a D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans), you must be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. To find out if you qualify for Medicaid, you’ll need to contact your local Division of Social Services (DSS) or visit your state’s Medicaid website. Eligibility is based on your income, household size, and other financial factors. The application process may vary slightly depending on where you live, but assistance is available to help you through it.
What This Means for Aetna Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries in Northern Nevada
If you are currently enrolled in any of these Aetna MAPD plans, you will need to:
- Consider other Medicare Advantage plans avaible in your area.
- Consider switching to Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a standalone Part D drug plan.
Since your current Medicare Advanatge plan is ending, now is a great time to enroll in a Medigap plan. You qualify for Guaranteed Issue rights, which means you can enroll in a Medigap plan without being denied, regardless of any pre-existing conditions. To learn more about your rights to purchase a Medigap policy with Guaranteed Issue, please click here.
Why Are These Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans Being Discontinued in Northern Nevada?
Aetna’s decision to sunset these plans likely reflects a strategic business evaluation of enrollment trends, provider network sustainability, and overall market conditions. For current Aetna Medicare Advantage members, this shift may understandably bring a sense of uncertainty. However, it also opens the door to new opportunities. With Guaranteed Issue rights in effect, beneficiaries can explore other coverage options—such as Medigap or alternative Medicare Advantage plans—without the risk of being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
Be sure to watch for official communications from Aetna and Medicare outlining your coverage options. To make the most informed decision, contact us at Health Benefits Associates. Our team of experts will carefully compare alternative plans, taking into account your doctors, prescription needs, and overall healthcare costs. Contact us today at (775) 828-1216.
