Hawaii's largest health insurer is cutting some Medicare Advantage plans next year, and the way it told members has left many of them worried and confused.

• HMSA sent certified letters to 16,000 members saying their current Medicare plans won't be offered in 2027.
• The letters didn't explain that similar plans would be available, so people thought they were losing coverage entirely.
• Federal funding changes forced the cuts, and members should expect either higher prices or fewer services.
• Federal rules limit what those letters are allowed to say, which is part of why they read as alarming.
• HMSA says a second mailer is coming and it plans to call every affected member; AARP Hawaii and state insurance officials are also running free workshops starting October 13.

Outlook: Affected members will learn their real options during the Medicare open enrollment window, but most should plan on paying more or getting less.