For many older adults, Medicare Advantage plans are a cornerstone of their healthcare coverage.

These plans often help with doctor visits, prescription drugs, and the flexibility to see providers outside of a strict network.

But starting in 2026, major changes are on the horizon.


UnitedHealth, the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage provider, has announced it will withdraw from 16 US counties.

This decision will directly affect about 180,000 members and is part of a broader wave of financial and regulatory pressures reshaping Medicare Advantage.


Why UnitedHealth is leaving certain areas

UnitedHealth’s exit isn’t a sudden move.

According to Bobby Hunter, who leads the company’s government programs, a combination of challenges has made it difficult to continue in every location:

• Cuts in government funding: Payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being reduced, with UnitedHealth projecting a 20% drop in funding by 2026 compared to 2023.
• Rising healthcare costs: More people are using healthcare services, and the costs of those services are climbing.
• Regulatory changes: New rules will lower payments for specific medical conditions, creating a $4 billion risk to the company’s insurance profits in 2026.

Faced with these issues, UnitedHealth says it cannot sustain all plans, particularly in rural counties where costs are harder to manage.


Also read: Medicare covers 10 surprising services for free—are you missing out?

Who will be affected—and where

The company has not released a full list of the 16 counties.

However, most of the closures will fall in rural areas.

Nationwide, UnitedHealth will shut down more than 100 plans, affecting about 600,000 members in total.

Many of these are popular preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, which allow patients to see providers outside of their plan’s network.

While UnitedHealth will still operate across most states, the scale of these changes marks a significant shift.


Also read: Medicare 2026 update: What to know about premiums, benefits, and plan choices

What happens if your plan is ending

If your plan is among those being discontinued, here is what you can expect:

• Notification: UnitedHealth must notify all affected members ahead of time with letters explaining next steps.
• Special enrollment period: Members will qualify for a special enrollment period to select a new plan without penalty.
• Alternative options: You may be able to switch to another insurer’s Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare with Part D prescription drug coverage and possibly a Medigap policy.

What alternatives are available

Many affected members may be directed toward Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans.

These often require patients to stay within a provider network and obtain referrals for specialists.

While more restrictive, HMOs typically have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

For those who prefer flexibility, some insurers such as Humana or CVS Health’s Aetna may still offer PPO plans in certain areas.

Original Medicare also remains an option, giving members access to any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.



Also read: Medicare bill could protect home health care access for millions

Steps to take now

1. Stay informed: Read any letters you receive from UnitedHealth carefully—they will contain essential details.
2. Compare options: Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
3. Talk to your doctors: Confirm which plans your healthcare providers will accept before making a choice.
4. Match your needs: Think about medications, travel plans, and ongoing health concerns to ensure your new plan meets your requirements.

Also read: Why reviewing your Medicare plan every year could save you money and stress

The bigger picture

UnitedHealth’s move reflects broader pressures within the Medicare Advantage market.

Funding cuts and rising healthcare costs are making it harder for insurers to operate in certain areas—especially rural communities.

Industry experts caution that other insurers could follow this path in the future.

While Medicare Advantage remains popular for its benefits, it is also subject to market and regulatory shifts.

Also read: Medicare scams are spreading fast—here’s how to protect your benefits before fraudsters strike

Final thoughts

Healthcare changes can feel overwhelming, especially when they impact something as important as your Medicare coverage.

But by staying proactive and reviewing your options carefully, you can make the transition smoother.

Lean on trusted resources, talk with your doctors, and reach out for community support.



Read next:

• Is your Medicare Advantage plan about to get more expensive? Here’s what to know
• 600,000 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members to lose coverage in 2025
• Are you spending too much on Medicare? Here’s how to cut costs in retirement

Have you or someone you know ever had to switch Medicare plans due to changes like these? What helped you the most in making the transition? Let us know in the comments below!