BBNBonkers Broadcasting NetworkWednesday, October 14, 2026Wed, Oct 14Watch live

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Medicare Advantage plans shutting down, leaving millions without…

Open enrollment begins Thursday, October fifteenth, and several million seniors, especially in rural areas, must find new coverage as insurers close plans; choose carefully, the fine print is long.

On air: Hank Ledger on The Five O'Clock
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  1. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMedicare open enrollment starts Thursday, and for several million seniors this year it matters more than usual, because some insurers are closing their Medicare Advantage plans.

  2. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSkip Waverly is live in a rural area where that is happening.

  3. Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentHank, I'm standing on the main street of a small rural town, and it is very quiet, which is exactly the point, because rural areas are where insurers are pulling out of Medicare Advantage the most.

  4. Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentEnrollment opens tomorrow, October fifteenth, and anyone whose plan is closing will have to pick a new one.

  5. Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentBehind me, the only place with its lights on is a hardware store, and I am not sure it has a plan either.

  6. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe hardware store is not insured by Medicare.

  7. Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentCorrect, Hank, but I did check. And just so you know, I'm very comfortable in rural areas, so if there's ever an opening at the desk, I'd be a natural fit for the big chair.

  8. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThank you, Skip.

  9. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSeniors should compare their options carefully before the deadline, and we'll hear from Dr. Nina Byte next, who I assume has a gadget that reads fine print.

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The story so far

  1. Humana's Top Contract Gets 4 Stars, Bonus Pay Unlocked · Benzinga
  2. Medicare Advantage Plans Shrink as Enrollment Opens · The New York Times
  3. Medicare Advantage Enrollment Opens as Insurers Drop Coverage · The New York Times
  4. Medicare for All support drops when trade-offs are explained · Washington Examiner
  5. Axios-Ipsos poll: Medicare for All support surges · Axios
  6. Two-thirds want health care help, but not Medicare for All · New York Post
  7. Medicare Advantage plans shutting down, leaving millions without… (this story)

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