About 300 people attended a forum in Modesto on Friday to learn about upcoming changes to the federal Medicare program that will take effect in January. The event addressed concerns related to UnitedHealthcare’s recent decision to discontinue its long-standing Medicare Advantage HMO plan in Stanislaus County, effective Jan. 1.
Once known as Secure Horizons, the AARP United Healthcare HMO has given members access to Sutter Health physicians and facilities, along with other providers. Sutter Health recently notified approximately 4,100 members of this plan that they would need to change insurance if they wish to continue seeing their Sutter doctors and using related services.
At the forum, advisers recommended that attendees closely monitor Medicare developments this fall. They clarified that the UnitedHealthcare Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan will remain available in Stanislaus County, and employer-provided United Healthcare plans for retirees are not changing.
The forum was organized by the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). Residents can enroll or make changes to their Medicare coverage during the open enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
According to HICAP representatives, individuals affected by changes in 2026 should consult independent insurance brokers regarding their options. The local HICAP office at 3500 Coffee Road, Suite 19 in Modesto offers appointments for residents needing assistance with navigating Medicare options for adults aged 65 or older and certain disabled persons. Staff and volunteers at HICAP speak several languages.
There will be eight insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Stanislaus County for 2026.
Sutter Health, which owns Memorial Medical Center, has informed patients it accepts several other Medicare Advantage plans within Stanislaus County: Alignment Health My Choice PPO ($77 per month), Sutter Senior Advantage—a SCAN Medicare Plan HMO ($49 per month), and a special-needs plan from Health Plan of San Joaquin Advantage HMO for low-income patients eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal; however, acceptance is limited to established patients.
Alignment Health also provides access through its plans to AllCare physicians as well as Doctors Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock. These include AllCare Preferred (no monthly premium), Smart HMO (no premium), and Honor Plan HMO (no premium).
Other insurers presented outlines of their respective plans at the forum. Attendees were advised to compare copays for doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, surgeries, prescription drugs, and annual out-of-pocket maximums when evaluating options. All county plans reportedly include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Seniors are encouraged by HICAP staff to verify prescription drug coverage under each health plan.
Some available plans provide transportation benefits while others do not.
Medigap policies are another option for covering costs not paid by original Medicare—which typically covers about 80% of expenses—but often have higher monthly premiums than managed-care alternatives while allowing greater provider choice; some high-deductible versions are also available. However, “HICAP stresses that prescription drugs are not covered by supplement plans.”
Additional forums on these topics will be held at local senior centers: one at Turlock Senior Center on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m., and another hosted by HICAP on Oct. 21 at Gladys Lemmons Senior Center in Oakdale at 1 p.m. Residents can contact Stanislaus County HICAP at 209-558-4540 for further information or assistance.
