Overview

• A new CMS forecast projects Medicare Advantage enrollment will fall from 34.9 million in 2025 to 34.0 million in 2026, trimming its share of Medicare from about 50% to 48%.
• UnitedHealth is ending plans in 109 counties affecting roughly 180,000 people, while Humana will scale availability to 85% of counties and offer plans in 46 states.
• Aetna plans to drop prescription drug plans in 100 counties and will operate in 43 states next year, and Minneapolis-based UCare will exit Medicare Advantage entirely.
• UnitedHealth executive Bobby Hunter cited CMS funding cuts, rising healthcare costs and increased utilization as the reasons for widespread retrenchment.
• Open enrollment runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7, and people losing a plan can choose replacement coverage through Dec. 31 with additional special enrollment periods extending into early 2026; those whose plans end default to Original Medicare without their plan’s extra benefits unless they make a new selection.