Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego Leaving Molina in 2027: What Medicare Members Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2027, the Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego will no longer accept Molina plans. That applies at all of its locations across the county.

If you have Molina and see a heart doctor at the Cardiovascular Institute, your visits there won't be covered next year. That includes checkups, tests, and follow-up care for an existing heart condition.

You still have time to decide what to do. Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7, and any plan change you make takes effect January 1, the same day this change does.

Who's affected?

This change affects you if both of these are true:

• You're enrolled in a Molina plan, and
• You see a cardiologist or get heart care at the Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego.

Not sure which plan you have? Look at the front of your member ID card. Not sure where your cardiologist practices? Ask the front desk at your next visit, or check your appointment reminders and bills.

The Cardiovascular Institute has offices all over San Diego County, so many Molina members are affected, especially people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Your two options

Option 1: Stay with Molina and find a new cardiologist. This can make sense if you're happy with the rest of your Molina coverage, your heart care is routine, and you're comfortable starting with a new doctor. Before you decide, confirm there's a Molina cardiologist you can actually get into, and how far you'd need to travel.

Option 2: Switch to a plan your cardiologist still accepts. This usually makes more sense if you're in the middle of treatment, have a serious heart condition, or have seen the same cardiologist for years. Before you switch, make sure the new plan also covers your primary care doctor, your other specialists, and your prescriptions. Changing plans to keep one doctor shouldn't cost you three others.

There's no one right answer. It depends on your doctors, your medications, and how much continuity matters to you.

If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal

Many people affected by this change have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, often called "Medi-Medi." If that's you, a few things are worth knowing.

• Your Medi-Cal benefits stay in place no matter which Medicare plan you choose. The question is which plan gives you the doctors you need.
• You may have chances to change plans outside of Annual Enrollment. But those options are narrower than they used to be, and they may not include every plan. Don't count on fixing this in January.
• Keep your Medi-Cal renewal current. If your Medi-Cal lapses, your plan options and costs can change. Open and return any renewal paperwork from the county right away.

A local broker can check which plans in San Diego work with both your Medi-Cal and your doctors, at no cost to you.

What to do before December 7

1. Confirm your plan and your cardiologist. Check your member ID card and ask your cardiologist's office which practice they're with.
2. Write down every doctor you see and every prescription you take, including your primary care doctor and other specialists.
3. Decide what matters most: keeping your cardiologist, or keeping your current plan.
4. Compare plans that cover your doctors and your medications for 2027.
5. Make the change by December 7 so your new coverage starts January 1, with no gap in your heart care.

If you're in the middle of treatment or have tests scheduled for early 2027, mention that when you compare plans. It may change which option makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego still accepting Molina in 2027?

No. Starting January 1, 2027, the Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego will no longer accept Molina plans at any of its locations.

What are my options if my cardiologist is at the Cardiovascular Institute and I have Molina?

You can stay with Molina and switch to a cardiologist in Molina's network, or switch to a plan your cardiologist still accepts during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, which ends December 7.

When do I need to change plans to keep my cardiologist?

By December 7. Changes made during Annual Enrollment take effect January 1, 2027.

See every San Diego Medicare change for 2027: Your 2027 ANOC guide

Let's figure out your best option together

I'm Ashley Watson, a local independent Medicare broker in San Diego County. I work with Molina and all the other major carriers, so I can check which plans cover your cardiologist, your other doctors, and your prescriptions, and help you make the switch if it makes sense. There's no cost to you for my help, and I can also help you with Medi-Cal questions.

• Call or text: 619-947-2325
• Email: ashley@medicarewithashley.com
• Book a time: Schedule a free plan review

The deadline is December 7. Don't wait until your January appointment to find out your cardiologist isn't covered.