"UnitedHealthcare provides a clear example of the trend. The insurer exited some markets in 2025 and expects Medicare Advantage enrollment to shrink by more than 1.1 million older adults, the company said last week in its full-year 2025 earnings report. When insurers leave a market, enrollees are forced to select new plans that may not include the same doctors, hospitals or benefit packages, Forbes reported."
"Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, led by Dr. Mehmet Oz, said it plans to increase payments to insurers by 0.09% far below prior industry estimates. Health insurance lobbyists warned that flat funding could translate into fewer benefits for seniors. Health plans welcome reforms to strengthen Medicare Advantage, said Chris Bond, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans. However, flat program funding at a time of sharply rising medical costs and high utilization of care will impact seniors' coverage."
UnitedHealthcare exited some markets in 2025 and expects Medicare Advantage enrollment to shrink by more than 1.1 million older adults. Enrollees forced to select new plans may lose access to the same doctors, hospitals, or benefit packages. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to increase payments by 0.09%, far below industry estimates. Flat funding amid rising medical costs and high utilization could cause benefit cuts and higher costs for seniors upon plan renewals. UnitedHealthcare’s adjusted 2025 medical care ratio rose to 88.9% (91% in Q4), and UHC expects Medicare Advantage contraction of 1.3–1.4 million members in 2026. Elevance Health’s benefit expense ratio reached 93.5% in Q4.
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