Goodsurance

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plan Count Fell Nine Percent in 2026, Leaving Beneficiaries Fewer Choices Heading Into 2027 Open Enrollment

KFF data shows that 3,373 Medicare Advantage plans were available for individual enrollment in 2026, nine percent fewer than in 2025, and the average beneficiary could choose from 32 drug-covering plans, down from a peak of 36 in 2024.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamAugust 12, 2026

KFF analysis of CMS enrollment and landscape data finds that 3,373 Medicare Advantage plans of all types were available for individual enrollment in 2026, a nine percent decline, or 346 fewer plans, compared with 2025. The average Medicare beneficiary had access to 32 Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans in their market, down from a peak of 36 in 2024 and continuing a two-year contraction in plan availability.

The pullback reflects a broader industry recalibration after years of aggressive benefit expansion. With several major carriers signaling further market exits for 2027, including Humana's announcement that it will leave markets covering roughly 600,000 members, the 2027 landscape expected from CMS in mid-to-late September could show further reductions in local plan counts.

Medicare Advantage plan choices shrank nine percent in 2026, and two companies now control nearly half the market.

Despite the decline, the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries still have access to multiple options. CMS data shows that more than 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan.

Market concentration is an increasing concern. KFF reports that UnitedHealth Group and Humana together accounted for 46 percent of all Medicare Advantage enrollment nationwide in 2026. In more than nine out of ten counties, one or two insurers control at least half of all local Medicare Advantage enrollment, a pattern that KFF has linked to reduced incentives for plans to compete on benefits or premiums.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to compare plans actively during the October 15 through December 7 open enrollment window, because benefit packages, premiums, and networks can shift significantly even when an enrollee's current plan remains available.

In plain words

There are fewer Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in 2026 than before. Nationwide, 346 fewer plans are available than last year. That is a nine percent drop. The average person with Medicare can choose from 32 plans in their area, down from 36 two years ago. More exits are expected in 2027. Two large companies, UnitedHealth and Humana, control nearly half of all Medicare Advantage enrollment across the country. Even so, more than 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one plan. You should compare plans every year during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, because your plan can change even if it stays available.

Understand the basics first

Source: KFF
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