Retirees With These Medicare Advantage Plans Can't Keep Them In 2027

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimate that more than 34 million Americans will be enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2027. Every year, plan providers evaluate offerings to determine whether changes are necessary. UnitedHealthcare is one such company making major changes to its MA plans in 2027. Reuters reports that Bobby Hunter, president of UnitedHealthcare, attributes the need for change to "funding pressures, rising medical costs, rising drug costs, and increased utilization." Corresponding with Healthcare Brew, UnitedHealth Group spokesman Eric Hausman confirmed that, effective January 1, 2027, approximately 390,000 members will be impacted by the UnitedHealthcare MA plan changes.

Analyzing CMS data, Becker's Hospital Review found that UnitedHealthcare's standard plans will no longer be available in 140 counties in 2027, and will no longer be offering any Medicare coverage to Wyoming residents. While paring down its Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, the company will focus on offering more Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Special Needs Plans (SNPs), which offer specialized coverage for medical or financial reasons. UHC will offer a total of 852 plan options with varying levels of medical and prescription coverage, some of which cover services Original Medicare does not, like vision or dental care for retirees.

UnitedHealthcare began notifying affected members of their options with non-renewal notices dated October 2, 2026. These notices will include information on which plans, if any, will be available in your area and how you can enroll. If an affected plan includes prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D), these benefits will also end. You may want to seek out a new MA plan that includes these benefits or a separate Part D plan; comparing prescription drug benefits every year can save you money, anyway. However, you may want to prepare to see your MA premium rise in the process: According to NerdWallet, the national average MA monthly premiums are $49.28 for 2027, while the average monthly premium for UnitedHealthcare plans is $39.82. However, many seniors can cut healthcare costs with an AARP membership.

Between October 15, 2026 and December 31, 2026, members will have the option of enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage plan that will take effect on January 1, 2027. If you do not enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, you will automatically be reverted to Original Medicare in 2027. However, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is available for affected members until February 28, 2027. Typically reserved for Medicare members dealing with certain life events like moving or natural disasters, this SEP will give you more time to choose a plan since you are involuntarily losing your coverage. If you receive a non-renewal notice, you can start assessing your options by visiting UHC's Medicare Advantage Benefit Plan Names or calling customer service using the phone number on your notice or member ID card.