Humana and UnitedHealthcare end Medicare Advantage plans for 1 million seniors, insurers say

Two of the largest private health insurers in the United States are canceling some Medicare Advantage plans for seniors, CBS News has learned.

Humana and UnitedHealthcare each said they would end those plans starting next year, ending health care coverage for a total of about 1 million people age 65 or older. Healthcare Brew was the first to report the insurers’ moves.

Humana’s decision to withdraw from the plan will affect approximately 600,000 enrollees, according to a company spokesperson.

“We regularly evaluate our Medicare offerings to ensure we can continue to provide affordable, coordinated care and access to high-quality care. As previously reported, we anticipate plan exits for 2027 will affect approximately 600,000 members,” Humana said in a statement to CBS News.

The company said most of its affected members will be offered an alternative plan.

UnitedHealthcare also confirmed the closure of a Medicare Advantage plan for approximately 390,000 of its members, who will have access to another UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan.

The insurer said it faces higher costs and increased plan utilization, pressures that are affecting the entire healthcare industry.