Braven Health Will Exit Medicare Advantage Market in 2026
New Jersey seniors and local providers must prepare for plan shifts after the carrier concludes coverage on December 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Healthcare
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Braven Health will cease all Medicare Advantage operations across New Jerseys 21 counties on December 31, 2026. This move impacts 42,000 customers who must transition to other coverage options before the 2027 plan year.
Why it matters
The exit highlights broader financial strain within the Medicare Advantage market as rising healthcare utilization follows a post-COVID-19 surge in medical facility visits. This shift forces 42,000 members to re-evaluate their coverage, potentially impacting the patient census for local healthcare systems.
Braven Health served 42,000 customers across all 21 New Jersey counties, a significant increase from its 13,000 enrollees in 2021. The decision follows a period where national industry data showed 93% of executives reporting their plans were not profitable.
The players
Braven Health
A Medicare Advantage plan provider co-owned by major New Jersey health systems that operated across all 21 counties.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
A major regional health insurer and joint owner of Braven Health.
Hackensack Meridian Health
A large New Jersey-based healthcare network and joint owner of Braven Health.
RWJBarnabas Health
A prominent New Jersey healthcare system and joint owner of Braven Health.
The details
Braven Health, a joint venture between Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health, and RWJBarnabas Health, cited market conditions that hindered its ability to provide high-quality coverage. Members will need to select alternative Medicare Advantage plans or transition to original Medicare with a supplemental policy. Braven will continue to process claims for services provided through the end of 2026.
Timeline
2021: Braven Health enrolled 13,000 customers.
October 15, 2026: Medicare annual open enrollment period begins.
December 7, 2026: Medicare annual open enrollment period ends.
December 31, 2026: Braven Health officially exits the Medicare Advantage market.
2027: Coverage for Braven Health services ceases.
Market Landscape
This exit follows a clear industry trend of insurers retreating from the Medicare Advantage market due to rising utilization levels. The move marks a departure from the rapid expansion seen since 2021, reflecting widespread pressure on plan profitability.
Operators in the New Jersey healthcare sector should anticipate a shift in patient insurance portfolios and plan for increased administrative inquiries from patients during the fall 2026 enrollment window. Providers must ensure their systems are prepared to verify new coverage details for current Braven members starting in 2027.
The takeaway
The closure of a major regional plan underscores the volatility currently facing the Medicare Advantage sector. Businesses should track local enrollment trends in Monmouth and Ocean counties to prepare for potential shifts in patient billing and coverage mix.
Further reading
Learn more about the shifting regulatory and financial environment for Healthcare providers in New Jersey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asbury Park Press.
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