Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Advantage plans shift more costs to seniors in 2027
Medicare Advantage insurers are reducing dental allowances and Part B givebacks for 2027, changes that could make care more expensive for seniors.
A Leerink Partners analysis of Medicare Plan Finder data found that major Medicare Advantage insurers are reducing dental allowances and Part B givebacks for 2027. STAT reported that premiums are stable, but plan changes could make care more expensive for patients. Insurers described benefits as preserved in their announcements, while the analysis found reductions in what plans offer.
UnitedHealthcare’s dental cuts affected almost 70% of its members, and the company increased cost-sharing, according to the report. Humana reduced or eliminated its Part B giveback for 62% of members, though it modestly increased dental allowances. Together, UnitedHealthcare and Humana cover almost 15 million Medicare Advantage seniors, more than 40% of the market. The analysis also found dental allowance cuts affected 23% of Elevance members and 45% of Centene members.
