If you or a loved one is on Medicare Advantage, this is the kind of news that can spike your blood pressure in about three seconds. Two of the largest private health insurers in the U.S., Humana and UnitedHealthcare, have confirmed they are discontinuing some Medicare Advantage plans beginning next year. Combined, the changes will end coverage under those specific plans for about 1 million people ages 65 and older.

I want to slow this down and make it practical. A plan exit does not automatically mean you are left with no path forward, but it does mean you need to pay attention, read your mail, and be ready to choose what comes next.

A senior holds Medicare insurance paperwork at a kitchen table next to a calculator and a pen.

What the insurers are doing

Both companies say they will stop offering certain Medicare Advantage plans beginning next year.

  • Humana expects its plan exits for 2027 to impact approximately 600,000 members, according to a company spokesperson.
  • UnitedHealthcare confirmed it is closing a Medicare Advantage plan for roughly 390,000 members.

In Humana’s words: We regularly evaluate our Medicare offerings to ensure we can continue providing affordable, coordinated care and access to high-quality care. As previously disclosed, we anticipate plan exits for 2027 will impact approximately 600,000 members.

UnitedHealthcare said affected members will have access to another UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, and the company pointed to higher costs and increased plan usage as pressures being felt across the industry.

Does this mean you lose coverage?

Not necessarily. The companies indicated that most people impacted will be offered access to an alternative plan.

Still, even when you are offered another option, it is smart to assume the details could change. Depending on the replacement plan you pick, you may see differences such as:

  • Monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs
  • Provider networks, which can affect whether your doctors are in-network
  • Copays for office visits, urgent care, or prescriptions
  • Extra benefits attached to the plan

The insurers did not lay out plan-by-plan benefit changes here, so treat any replacement option like a fresh comparison and confirm the details for your specific situation.

If your plan is ending, do these 6 things

I’m a spreadsheet guy because it keeps my anxiety in check. This is one of those moments where a simple checklist beats trying to keep everything in your head.

  1. Watch for official notices. Typically, insurers contact members when a plan is being discontinued so you know what is changing and when.
  2. Confirm whether you are being offered another plan. Both insurers said affected members will have access to another Medicare Advantage plan. Make sure you know what the alternative is and what it costs.
  3. Check your doctors and hospitals. Before you commit to anything new, confirm your key providers are in-network for the plan you are considering.
  4. List your prescriptions. Write down your current medications so you can compare coverage across any options you are offered.
  5. Compare total yearly cost, not just premium. Premium is only one part of the story. Estimate what you might spend across copays and other out-of-pocket costs, too.
  6. Ask questions until it makes sense. You are allowed to be “that person.” Health coverage is too expensive to guess.
An older adult reviews medical bills and an insurance statement while using a calculator at a dining table.

Why insurers are pulling back

UnitedHealthcare pointed to higher costs and increased plan usage, saying these pressures are affecting the whole healthcare industry. Humana emphasized that it reviews its offerings to continue providing affordable, coordinated care with access to high-quality care.

What matters at home is the impact: if your plan is on the exit list, you may need to re-shop coverage even if you have been happy with what you had.

Budget tip

When coverage changes, costs can shift in ways that are hard to predict. If you can, build a little cushion. Even setting aside a small amount each month can help if you run into a different copay structure or a bumpy transition while you switch plans.

Quick FAQ

How many people are impacted?

Humana’s expected plan exits impact about 600,000 members, and UnitedHealthcare’s plan closure affects roughly 390,000 members, for a total of about 1 million seniors.

Will I have another plan option?

Both companies said affected members will have access to another Medicare Advantage plan option.

When does this take effect?

The companies said the plans are being discontinued beginning next year.