For Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia, Colorado, and Illinois, you may receive unexpected news regarding your healthcare coverage. Clear Spring Health has officially announced its exit from the Medicare Advantage market, effective June 1, 2026.

If you are currently enrolled in a Clear Spring Health plan—specifically those under the BrightPath Advantage brand—your current coverage will end at the end of May. Because this transition is happening mid-year, it is critical to understand your rights and the timeline for finding a new plan.

Why am I losing my Clear Spring Health Medicare plan?

Clear Spring Health is shutting down its Medicare Advantage (Part C) operations in these key states after exiting previously served counties in 2025. Unlike the standard plan changes that may occur during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period every fall, this is an immediate market exit.

• Impacted States: Georgia, Colorado, and Illinois.
• Termination Date: Coverage ends May 31, 2026.
• New Enrollments: Any policies recently submitted with effective dates between June 1 and August 1, 2026, will not go into effect.

The “Safety Net”: What happens if you do nothing?

If you do not proactively choose a new plan by June 1, you have Medicare Advantage plan termination rights in place to ensure you aren’t left without any insurance. However, this default coverage may look very different from what you have now:

1. Original Medicare: You will automatically revert to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) for your medical coverage.
2. Prescription Drugs: You may be auto-enrolled in a standalone Prescription Drug Plan, details should be shared in communication from Clear Spring Health. 
3. Medigap Rights: Because your plan is terminating, you may have “Guaranteed Issue” rights to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without medical underwriting.

Note: While Original Medicare provides a baseline, it may not cover the same supplemental benefits you enjoyed with Clear Spring, such as dental, vision, or low co-pays for specialists.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for affected beneficiaries

To help you find a replacement plan that fits your needs, you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) This is a limited window where you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or move to Original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan.

• SEP Timeline: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026.
• Proactive Switching: While the SEP lasts through July, we strongly encourage you to select a new plan before June 1 to ensure a seamless transition of your medical records and prescriptions.

3 steps to take immediately

1. Review Your Mail: Look for an official “Evidence of Termination” letter from Clear Spring Health. You will need this letter if you decide to apply for a Medigap plan under Guaranteed Issue rights.
2. Check Your Doctors: Before picking a new plan, verify that your current primary care physician and specialists are in-network with the new carrier and specific plan.
3. Audit Your Medications: Use this time to ensure your specific prescriptions are on the formulary of your next plan.

Need Assistance?

Transitioning coverage with only a few weeks’ notice can be overwhelming. You do not have to navigate this alone. You can reach out to Medicare or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or speak with a licensed insurance agent at SmartMatch who can compare options in your specific county.