Highmark dropping popular Medicare Advantage health plan

A large Delaware health insurer is dropping a Medicare Advantage plan tied to ChristianaCare.

Highmark Delaware sent a letter to members this week, announcing the change and advising them to choose an alternative plan to Freedom Blue for 2026. Highmark's 2026 plans keep ChristianaCare and others in the network and are available in all three of the state's counties.

Medicare Advantage plans from the Blue Cross affiliate offer low or zero monthly premiums. In return, members work within a healthcare network authorized by the insurer. Benefits include dental coverage, lower-cost prescriptions, fitness center discounts, and diabetes supplies.

Medicare enrollment in Advantage and other plans begins on October 15.

"Like many other insurers across the nation, Highmark will be making a number of changes to our Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings for 2026 while continuing to offer many of the benefits that our members value," said Highmark spokesman Anthony Matrisciano. "For example, Highmark will continue to offer $0 PCP visits and access to $0 labs to prioritize preventative care. And many regular monthly prescriptions will continue to be covered at $0 on Tier 1 Rx copays. Finally, we will continue to offer popular benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits to our valued members."

Matrisciano continued, "In some cases, we have made the difficult decision to adjust or discontinue plans. We have notified members about these changes and are encouraging them to use the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 to review all their available options to ensure they have the best plan that fits their needs. Highmark is committed to being fully transparent with our members and to helping ensure that they actively re-enroll in a plan that works best for them. And despite these changes, we are still offering MA plans in all counties in Delaware, as well as ACA plans in all counties in Delaware."

The Freedom Blue program was first rolled out in 2022. It was touted at the time as offering access to ChristianaCare's services, the largest hospital system in Delaware. A message was sent to ChristianaCare seeking comment.

An earlier release from Highmark did not specifically address Freedom Blue plans but advised that many charges from various insurers were expected to be included in Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.

Medicare Advantage plans have received harsh criticism for requiring pre-authorizations for procedures and charging higher rates for services outside the network.

After a heated controversy, an effort to move retired Delaware state employees to Medicare Advantage was dropped under legislation passed by Senators and Representatives who would have been affected by the change.

"Over the last several years, hospitals, physician practices, and health insurers have all seen healthcare costs increase significantly," stated Ellen Galardy, Highmark's president of Medicare Business. "Despite these challenges, Highmark is committed to the Medicare Advantage market and will continue to offer Medicare Advantage plans across our footprint in 2026."

Galardy noted that healthcare costs are rising almost three times faster than other costs for families and individuals, driven by the high costs of new drugs and increased medical utilization, particularly outpatient care.

Galardy went on to state that Highmark is making strategic changes to its Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, "with a focus on long-term sustainability."

Highmark also offers Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans. Medigap plans help cover costs such as deductibles and copays that original Medicare does not cover.

Consumers can visit Medicare.gov or call1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to learn about all plan options available in their area.

Further information about Highmark's 2026 Medicare plans is available here.