OHH Urges Seniors to Skip Medicare Advantage

A new joint campaign involving Olney Hamilton Hospital and other rural hospitals across Texas warns that the window to enroll or switch Medicare plans is fast closing — and the stakes are high for local health care. To preserve access to care in small towns, these hospitals are urging Medicare-eligible residents to act immediately.

Under the campaign slogan “United for Our Patients: Rural Hospitals Stand Together,” hospital leaders argue that traditional Medicare offers the most stable option for rural counties. They say it ensures patients can see trusted doctors and hospitals without being limited by network restrictions, and it helps sustain local health care infrastructure. But the message now comes with a countdown: the 2025 Medicare Annual Election Period — when enrollees can join, drop, or switch between Medicare Advantage and Part D plans — runs only from October 15 through December 7.

If people wait too long and miss that window, they may be locked into a disadvantageous private plan or be unable to return to original Medicare until the next open period. For rural hospitals, that could mean reduced reimbursement per patient, limited provider networks, increased denials, and financial strain that forces service cuts or closures.

Rural hospitals already operate on razor-thin margins, especially in counties like Young, where patient volumes are lower and the proportion of Medicare and Medicaid cases is higher. These hospitals contend that private Medicare plans often pay less per service, impose prior authorization hurdles, and restrict access to local providers — undermining the ability of rural hospitals to remain viable.

By urging residents to review their insurance now, the hospital campaign is making clear that the decision is not just about coverage—it’s about the survival of hometown medical care. Hospital officials emphasize: patients who value access to nearby services, continuity of care, and stable support for their local hospital should seriously consider sticking with or returning to traditional Medicare during this urgent enrollment window.

For assistance comparing options or understanding your rights, Medicare enrollees can call 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to your local hospital staff. But the bottom line is stark: the clock is ticking — act before December 7 or risk losing not just coverage flexibility, but potentially the health system in your community.