Insurers to End Selected Medicare Advantage Plans From 31 December 2026
Humana expects about 600,000 members to be affected, while UnitedHealth forecasts a 1.1 million decline in Medicare Advantage enrolment.
Humana, UnitedHealth and other insurers are reducing or ending selected Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, with affected coverage scheduled to finish on 31 December 2026.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services holds the list of plans that will not continue. Members of affected plans must receive nonrenewal notices by 2 October, while members whose plans continue are due to receive an Annual Notice of Change by 30 September.
Humana said its 2027 plan exits will affect approximately 600,000 members, with most departures involving plans rated three-and-a-half stars or lower. UnitedHealth expects its Medicare Advantage enrolment to decline by approximately 1.1 million and has previewed selective changes to its market participation. Press reports cited by the source have identified 109 counties from which UnitedHealthcare is exiting.
Affected members can enrol in another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. A Special Enrollment Period is described as running from 8 December 2026 to 28 February 2027.
Members who return to Original Medicare may have a guaranteed-issue right to buy certain Medigap policies, subject to applicable federal rules. The protection runs from 60 days before existing coverage ends through 63 days afterwards and does not apply to those who choose another Medicare Advantage plan.
