Carriers & the market
UnitedHealth Posts 4.1 Billion Dollar Quarterly Profit as Medicare Advantage Membership Falls by 935,000
Third-quarter results filed October 13 show the insurer's Medicare Advantage margins improving to the high end of their target range even as enrollment dropped sharply from year-end 2025, a dynamic playing out at the opening of annual enrollment.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamOctober 16, 2026
UnitedHealth Group, parent of UnitedHealthcare, reported 4.11 billion dollars in net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, roughly 75 percent more than the same period a year earlier, according to its earnings release filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 13.
Revenue for the quarter came in at 112.7 billion dollars, down slightly from 113.2 billion dollars in the year-ago period, as membership declines offset rate changes.
UnitedHealth earned 4.1 billion dollars in Q3 as Medicare Advantage membership dropped 935,000. Open enrollment is open now through December 7.
Medicare Advantage enrollment at the company fell by 935,000 members since December 31, 2025. Despite the decline, the UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement segment posted margins near the top of the company's stated 2 to 4 percent target range. The medical care ratio, which measures spending on patient care as a share of premium revenue, fell to 88.4 percent from 89.9 percent a year earlier.
The results landed two days before the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment period opened on October 15. UnitedHealthcare exited plans across roughly 228 counties for 2027, the largest county-level reduction by any insurer this cycle according to a separate KFF analysis published earlier this month. Beneficiaries whose plans are not continuing have until December 7 to select new coverage.
UnitedHealth raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance for the third time this year, signaling continued confidence in its cost management approach.
In plain words
UnitedHealth makes UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. It reported earning 4.11 billion dollars in just three months, much more than last year.
At the same time, about 935,000 fewer people were enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans compared to the start of 2026. The company dropped plans in about 228 counties. People who lost those plans must choose new coverage by December 7, 2026.
Even though fewer people were enrolled, the company made more money per member. It spent a smaller share of premium dollars on health care. The company says it will keep earning well for the rest of 2026.
If your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan is ending, open enrollment is open now through December 7. You can compare options at medicare.gov.
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Source: UnitedHealth Group Q3 2026 Earnings Release (SEC Form 8-K)
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