Samaritan Health Services, which operates five hospitals and more than 100 clinics in and around Corvallis, Oregon, recently announced that it will end its Samaritan Advantage Premier Plan (SAPP) starting January 1, 2026 (here’s the press release). After that, they added another recent announcement that they will be joining MultiCare Health System to expand access further.
In short, Samaritan Health Services will no longer accept Samaritan’s Medicare Advantage. If you’re on Medicare Advantage, you will need to either change insurance or change providers. If this affects you, you should have received a few letters in the mail by now with instructions on what is next. The federal Medicare Open Enrollment period runs through December 7, but Samaritan members have an extended deadline. Still, now is a good time to decide.
Here are the key points of this change:
- Starting Jan. 1, 2026, no one will be able to sign up for SAPP, and anyone who remains on it will be covered through Feb. 28, 2026.
- If you are still on SAPP by Dec. 31 of this year, you will be automatically placed in Original Medicare, which typically has a much higher premium than Medicare Advantage.
- If you join a new plan after Dec. 31, your coverage under the new plan won’t start until the first of the month after you join.
- If your Samaritan Advantage plan included prescription coverage, you will likely need to purchase Medicare Part D, which covers drugs. Your best bet here is to contact your provider and ask which insurance providers they accept to narrow your choices.
For people who were unhappy with Samaritan Advantage, this news may have a silver lining. Switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare can be a challenging process. Considering the circumstances, people who are losing coverage under Samaritan Advantage will have access to a Special Enrollment Period, where you should be able to move more smoothly to Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Part D plan.
Related: Should You Retire in Oregon? 10 Questions & Answers to Help You Decide
On the other hand, if you have been satisfied with your Advantage plan, you will likely want to enroll in another (see a list of options in Benton County).
Why Switch to Original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage plans were created as a lower-cost alternative to Original Medicare, but many people have voiced frustrations over limited provider networks, plans that change every year, high out-of-pocket costs, and prior authorization requirements that can be confusing and frustrating. People on Advantage plans and their providers report having to jump through countless hoops to obtain authorization, as well as frequent denial of coverage.
Related: More Medicare Changes Coming in 2026
Original Medicare may cost more, but it comes with complete coverage, no copays, expanded provider networks, and predictable costs.
If you anticipate any expensive medical situations in the next few years, you may want to consider taking this opportunity to switch to Original Medicare.
Helpful Links for People on Samaritan Advantage Plans
If you need individualized help, we always recommend reaching out to your local chapter of SHIBA (Senior Healthcare Insurance Benefit Assistance). They are very busy during Open Enrollment season (especially this year), but you can call and ask to be added to their waiting list. With the Samaritan changes, you may want to reach out to your local insurance agent or go to the Medicare website.
- Here is the number for SHIBA in Benton and Linn counties: 541-812-0849. For more information, please visit their website.
- Alternatively, you can visit the Medicare website to view and/or enroll in the options available. Have your current medication list handy and review the plans accepted by Samaritan’s in-network providers here.
- Alternatively, you can always call Medicare for assistance.
Keep the big picture in mind
Preparing for the cost of healthcare is rule #5 of our “7 Rules of Retirement Planning Success.” Click here to download our ebook and see the other six rules in “7 Rules of Retirement Planning Success.”
