SANDUSKY — Big changes are in store for local seniors enrolled in Anthem Medicare Advantage plans starting next year. They will lose in-network access to Firelands Health facilities and doctors beginning Jan. 1, the health system announced.
The change impacts Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, The Bellevue Hospital, and all Firelands Physician Group providers.
Firelands Health
Patient Helpline: Call our care transition team at 419-557-5530 or visit firelands.com/insurancesaccepted for information. A care specialist can assist in identifying approved plans.
The decision follows failed contract negotiations regarding terms required to support patient care. While the system sent direct notification letters to patients who used Anthem Medicare Advantage over the past two years, health leaders issued a public alert to ensure all policyholders across the region have time to adjust their coverage.
“Although the organizations have been unable to reach an agreement, Firelands Health appreciates the discussions with Anthem and remains focused on helping affected patients prepare for the change,” the health system stated in a news release.
The network termination applies strictly to Anthem Medicare Advantage plans. It does not affect patients covered by Anthem commercial insurance, Anthem Medicaid, or Anthem MyCare Ohio. Firelands will also remain in-network with most other major Medicare Advantage carriers.
The announcement comes just ahead of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving affected residents a window to review their options and switch to a participating plan or traditional Medicare before the 2027 cutoff.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Dates: October 15 – December 7
Purpose: Annual window for Medicare beneficiaries to review coverage, switch Medicare Advantage/Part D plans, or transition to Traditional Medicare.
Effective Date: Changes made during this period take effect January 1, 2027.
Key Action: Affected residents should verify whether their current doctors, networks, and hospitals remain in-network for 2027 before the December 7 deadline.