InterMed will stop accepting Martin’s Point Medicare Advantage insurance beginning in 2027.

Insurance Changes Leave Patients in Limbo

Pamela Smith received an unexpected email from InterMed on Thursday, informing her that starting in January, they would stop accepting her insurance, Martin’s Point Medicare Advantage.

“I was taken aback,” Smith, who lives in North Yarmouth, said the next day. “It just doesn’t make sense. I’m trying to think through my options.”

Dr. Phylidia Koo Roos, chair of InterMed’s board, explained that the notice was given “more than eight months in advance so patients can think about their choices and decide what’s best for their care.”

She further clarified that the decision wasn’t made on a whim for the estimated 4,500 patients using the Medicare Advantage plans provided by Martin’s Point Healthcare.

“In recent years, we’ve consistently raised concerns that our contract structure complicates our ability to provide the high-quality care our patients expect while ensuring a sustainable working environment for our teams,” Kou Roos added.

However, Martin’s Point spokesman Steve Amend indicated that this announcement came as a surprise, claiming there was no substantial prior discussion with them. He mentioned that notifications were sent out to patients before they were formally informed about the intent to withdraw from the network at the year’s end.

Besides offering insurance plans, Martin’s Point Health Care also delivers primary and specialty care services.

Medicare Advantage serves as an alternative for individuals aged 65 and older, typically providing similar benefits to traditional Medicare but usually with added perks like vision and dental coverage. Additional monthly premiums might apply for services not covered under Medicare.

Patients with InterMed enrolled in Martin’s Point Medicare Advantage have until January to either select a different insurance provider, switch clinics, or cover their InterMed expenses themselves. As per an email shared by Smith with the Portland Press Herald, Martin’s Point plans will be honored at InterMed until December 31st.

Smith expressed her loyalty to the Martin’s Point Plan, which she and her husband have relied on for over a decade. Yet, she also values her current primary care doctor and specialist, so she intends to switch insurance to keep accessing InterMed, which has locations in South Portland and Yarmouth.

“It’s disappointing,” said Smith, who has been with InterMed for more than ten years. “We’re determined to stay at InterMed, but it’s definitely odd.”

Independent health policy analyst Mitchell Stein noted that numerous Medicare Advantage options, offering similar benefits, are available for patients to consider.