UnitedHealthcare Is Reviewing Potential Medicare Advantage Exits From 34 More Counties for 2027

UnitedHealthcare is weighing a preliminary exit from Medicare Advantage markets in 34 counties across 12 states for the 2027 plan year, according to reporting by Modern Healthcare published August 5, 2026. The company said the list remains preliminary and is subject to change before plan filings are finalized.

If the exits proceed as reported, more than 20,000 additional Medicare Advantage enrollees would need to find new coverage for 2027. In some of those counties, Modern Healthcare reported, there may be no remaining Medicare Advantage plan available as an alternative, meaning affected members would need to enroll in Original Medicare.

The potential 2027 pullback follows a pattern of market contraction at the company. For the 2026 plan year, UnitedHealthcare fully exited Medicare Advantage markets in 16 geographic areas, affecting approximately 180,000 policyholders. Humana separately announced in July 2026 that it would exit markets serving approximately 600,000 members for 2027.

Federal rules give Medicare Advantage enrollees whose plans are discontinued or exit a county a special enrollment period that allows them to switch to another plan or return to Original Medicare, regardless of where the change falls in the calendar year. Those returning to Original Medicare in areas without Medicare Advantage alternatives may wish to evaluate Medigap supplement policies and standalone Part D prescription drug coverage.

The 2027 Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. CMS will release the full 2027 Medicare plan landscape, with confirmed plan offerings and premiums, in mid-to-late September. Beneficiaries can also use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to compare available options once that data is published.