# Major Insurers Cut Medicare Advantage Coverage

UnitedHealth and Humana plan to discontinue Medicare Advantage coverage affecting approximately 990,000 enrollees in 2027, while CVS Health’s Aetna and Centene are also reducing their plan footprints. The changes are occurring as CMS projects overall Medicare Advantage enrollment will decline to roughly 34 million, despite finalizing a 2.48% average payment-rate increase for 2027. For contractors, healthcare providers, and other businesses serving this federally funded market, shifting plan availability may affect expected enrollment, provider networks, and demand for related services.

- Companies serving Medicare Advantage plans should assess exposure to affected plan areas and anticipate provider-network restructuring as insurers reduce coverage.
- The stated enrollment period runs October 15–December 31, 2026; providers and contractors can use the period to account for changes in plan participation and enrollee choices.
- CMS’s projected enrollment decline and payment-rate increase are relevant inputs for 2027 market and capacity planning, but the signals do not identify specific contract opportunities or awards.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Published:** October 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

### Vendors
- UnitedHealth Group (Medicare Advantage plan operator)
- Humana (Medicare Advantage plan operator)
- CVS Health (Aetna) (Medicare Advantage plan operator)
- Centene (Medicare Advantage plan operator)

### Key Quotes
> We can't ignore the realities facing the healthcare system. Funding pressures, rising medical costs, rising drug costs, and increased utilization are affecting every part of healthcare.
> — Bobby Hunter, President of UnitedHealthcare

### Sources
- [UnitedHealth and Humana cutting Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 https://t.co/8JplINthI4
UNH doing the cherry picking game for now...UNH wants all the Medicare Advantage business and by working with CMS as a government contractor has pushed many of of MA, like Cigna..

Optumserve](https://x.com/MedicalQuack/status/2106385402030588002) - twitter-contract-vehicles