Medicare Advantage 2027 is bringing significant changes to the U.S. health insurance market as major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS Health, reduce plan offerings across several regions. These reductions could leave some beneficiaries with fewer coverage choices and new decisions to make ahead of annual open enrollment.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), open enrollment begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7, 2026. The changes could affect healthcare costs, prescription drug benefits, and access to preferred doctors, making it essential for beneficiaries to compare available plans before choosing their 2027 coverage.
Medicare Advantage 2027 Plans Face Major Cuts
An October 9 analysis by KFF, using official CMS data, found that the average Medicare beneficiary will have 35 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2027, compared with 39 in 2026.
The average number of plans offering prescription drug coverage will decline from 32 to 28.
KFF also identified 193 counties without general-enrollment Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans in 2027, compared with 123 counties in 2026.
Approximately 638,000 Medicare beneficiaries live in these counties, although this does not mean all are losing existing coverage.
Of those counties, 187 will have no general-enrollment Medicare Advantage plans. Eligible residents can still receive coverage through Original Medicare.
Which Insurance Companies Are Reducing Coverage?
Several major insurers are withdrawing Medicare Advantage prescription drug offerings from selected counties.
| Insurance Company | Counties Exited |
|---|---|
| Health Care Service Corporation | 498 |
| Centene | 359 |
| UnitedHealth Group | 228 |
| CVS Health | 186 |
| Humana | 62 |
Source: KFF analysis of CMS plan availability data. Figures represent county-level withdrawals, not individual beneficiaries losing insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, some insurers are expanding. Devoted Health, for example, is entering 342 additional counties.
These changes indicate that insurers are adjusting their geographic operations rather than universally abandoning Medicare Advantage.
CMS Predicts Lower Medicare Advantage Premiums
Despite fewer local options, CMS projects that the weighted average monthly Medicare Advantage premium will decrease from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027.
The agency also expects more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan.
However, lower premiums do not guarantee lower total healthcare expenses. Deductibles, prescription costs, copayments, and provider networks can vary.
On October 8, CMS released its 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings.
Approximately 71% of current Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan enrollees are in contracts rated four stars or higher for 2027.
These ratings help beneficiaries compare plan quality but do not guarantee specific benefits or access to individual healthcare providers.
What Happens if Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ends?
Beneficiaries whose Medicare Advantage plans are discontinued may qualify for additional enrollment protections.
Depending on individual circumstances, they may:
- Enroll in another available Medicare Advantage plan.
- Return to Original Medicare.
- Obtain separate Medicare Part D prescription coverage.
- Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Receive certain Medigap guaranteed-issue protections.
If a Medicare Advantage contract is not renewed and a beneficiary does not enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan, they will generally return to Original Medicare when coverage ends.
However, separate prescription drug coverage may be necessary.
For qualifying contract nonrenewals, the additional enrollment opportunity generally runs from December 8, 2026, through February 28, 2027.
Medigap rights depend on federal eligibility requirements and applicable state laws.
What Should Beneficiaries Do Before Open Enrollment?
Medicare beneficiaries should review their Annual Notice of Change or Plan Non-Renewal Notice before selecting 2027 coverage.
Comparing doctor networks, prescription drug benefits, premiums, and estimated annual out-of-pocket expenses can help prevent unexpected costs.
Official assistance is available through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Conclusion
Medicare Advantage 2027 will bring fewer insurance choices to some U.S. communities, even as CMS projects lower average premiums nationwide. These changes could affect healthcare costs, prescription drug coverage, and access to preferred doctors.
Beneficiaries should review their current plans, compare available coverage options, and understand their enrollment rights before the December 7, 2026 deadline to avoid unexpected healthcare expenses and coverage disruptions.
FAQs About Medicare Advantage
1. Is Medicare Advantage ending in 2027?
No. Some insurers are withdrawing plans from selected counties, but Medicare Advantage remains available across most of the United States.
2. When does Medicare Advantage 2027 open enrollment start?
Annual enrollment begins October 15, 2026, and ends December 7, 2026. Coverage changes generally take effect January 1, 2027.
3. Will Medicare Advantage premiums increase in 2027?
CMS projects lower average premiums nationwide, although individual insurance costs and benefits may increase or decrease.
Disclaimer
This article provides general news and information, not legal, medical, or insurance advice. Individual coverage and enrollment rights depend on applicable federal and state requirements.
