UnitedHealth and Humana Drop Medicare Advantage Plans Covering About 1 Million Members for 2027

Two of the biggest names in private Medicare are pulling back for 2027, and that means real changes for older Americans who rely on Medicare Advantage. The nonprofit news site NationofChange reported on October 28 that UnitedHealthcare and Humana together are dropping plans that cover close to 1 million members next year. UnitedHealthcare has said about 390,000 of its members are in plans that will not continue. Humana has said about 600,000 of its members are affected.

They are not the only companies scaling back. A review of new federal data reported by Healthcare Dive found that CVS Health, through its Aetna brand, and Centene are also leaving many counties for 2027. The same review noted that the total number of Medicare Advantage plans offered across the country stayed roughly the same, slipping from about 5,553 in 2026 to about 5,532 in 2027. But underneath that steady total, many plans are ending while others raise what members pay.

Company leaders point to rising medical costs and heavier use of health care as the main reasons. Insurers have also been narrowing their provider networks, raising cost sharing, and cutting extra benefits. One point is worth making clear. Medicare itself is not ending for anyone. These are business decisions by private insurers about which plans they will offer.

The timing matters because Medicare open enrollment is underway and runs through December 7. During that window you can switch plans, join a plan, or move back to Original Medicare. If your plan is ending and you do nothing, you generally return to Original Medicare, but you could be left without Part D drug coverage, so it pays to act.

There is a cushion built in. People who lose a plan get extra time through a special enrollment period that runs past the regular deadline. In many cases, when a plan leaves your county, you also gain a guaranteed right to buy a Medigap policy without a health review.

You can compare plans at Medicare.gov using the Plan Finder tool, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for free help. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program also offers free one on one counseling. Rural residents often have the fewest choices, so starting early is wise.