UnitedHealth Retreats From 109 Counties, Leaving 180,000 Seniors Without Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealth, the largest Medicare Advantage provider, is set to withdraw from 109 counties, impacting around 180,000 people. This move, along with reductions by CVS Health and Humana, signals a significant shift in the healthcare landscape for seniors.
The decision by UnitedHealth, CVS Health, and Humana to scale back their Medicare Advantage plans is driven by financial pressures. Lesser profitability in certain areas, particularly rural regions, is due to higher medical service usage and reduced Medicare payments. UnitedHealth's retreat covers 109 counties, while CVS Health is reducing offers in 100 counties, leading to a total decrease in states served from 44 to 43.
Humana, however, is introducing new plan types in four states and 177 counties, with 83% of its standalone prescription drug plans seeing decreased premiums. Aetna, a CVS Health subsidiary, will offer plans in 43 states and 2,159 counties next year, down from 44 states and 2,259 counties this year. Meanwhile, Humana will provide plans in 46 states in 2026, down from 48, and will serve 85% of counties, down from 89%. CVS Health plans to expand its dual-eligible offerings to 16 new states.
These changes, effective in 2026, will leave many seniors searching for alternative plans or facing potential gaps in their healthcare coverage. The insurers' strategic adjustments reflect the evolving economics of Medicare Advantage plans and the need for seniors to stay informed about their coverage options.
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