Medicare and Medicaid
Insurers cut Medicare Advantage plans for 2027
Insurer projections put Medicare Advantage enrollment at 34 million next year, down about 2 million.
Insurers are reducing Medicare Advantage offerings for 2027, according to newly released CMS data. Healthcare Dive’s analysis found the total number of plans nationally is expected to slide from 5,553 in 2026 to 5,532 in 2027. Becker’s Hospital Review reported that 11 health plans are exiting the individual Medicare Advantage market, including seven affiliated with health systems.
Investment bank Stephens found that every major insurer it studied cut its individual Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare is removing about 690 plans and Humana about 2,400. Insurers are also increasing cost sharing in plans that remain. Healthcare Dive reported that the average maximum out-of-pocket limit is up 10%, while Part D deductibles are up 30%.
Insurer projections put Medicare Advantage enrollment at 34 million next year, down about 2 million. CMS said more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan, and 97% will have access to 10 or more.
