UnitedHealthcare, Humana Plan Changes Affect About 990,000 Members

UnitedHealthcare and Humana plan exits and service-area changes will affect an estimated 990,000 Medicare Advantage members in 2027, leaving many with a coverage choice during the current enrollment period.

Humana expects its plan exits to affect about 600,000 members. UnitedHealthcare’s discontinued plans and service-area changes affect about 390,000. Both figures are estimates, and their sum is not a confirmed count of people who will leave either insurer.

Humana intends to seek continued enrollment from a significant portion of affected members through other plans. It has not estimated how many will stay. Depending on where they live, affected UnitedHealthcare members may also have another plan available from the insurer.

Medicare Advantage provides Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through private plans. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage. The insurers’ changes affect coverage options for members, not their eligibility for Medicare.

UnitedHealthcare’s closures and service-area reductions take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Notices to affected members are dated Oct. 2. An affected UnitedHealthcare member who does not choose another Medicare Advantage plan will return to Original Medicare on Jan. 1. Prescription drug coverage included in a discontinued plan will end at the same time, so replacement drug coverage depends on the member’s next choice.

Across Medicare Advantage plans nationwide, the projected weighted average monthly premium is $12.00 for 2027, compared with $14.37 in 2026. That national measure does not show what an affected member will pay for a replacement plan. Available doctors, covered drugs and other benefits vary by plan and location.

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Coverage selected during that period begins Jan. 1, 2027. Members whose plans are not renewed have a special enrollment period from Dec. 8, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027.