This guide explains, in plain terms, what is happening, how it affects your practice, and the simple steps you can take now to keep your patients, avoid denied claims, and even grow.
What is happening with Medicare Advantage in 2027?
UnitedHealthcare and Humana, two of the biggest Medicare insurers, are ending Medicare Advantage plans that cover about 1 million people:
- Humana: about 600,000 members (about 8% of its Medicare Advantage members)
- UnitedHealthcare: about 390,000 members, mostly in PPO plans
On top of that, 18 insurers are leaving Medicare Advantage completely in 2027.
The plans that stay are changing too. Most are HMOs, which come with more rules: patients need referrals, need prior approval for more services, and can only see doctors in the plan's network. Patients will also pay more out of pocket, with higher copays and fewer extras like dental coverage.
Why is this happening? Insurers say medical costs have risen sharply in the last two years, so they are cutting plans that don't make money and moving people into tighter, cheaper-to-run plans.
How these changes affect your practice
You could lose patients. If a patient's new plan doesn't include your practice, they may have to find another doctor.
More paperwork. HMO plans mean more referrals and prior approvals. Miss a step, and the claim gets denied.
Harder collections. Higher copays and deductibles mean more of each bill comes from the patient.
A messy January. Patients will show up with new insurance cards, or with cards for plans that no longer exist.
What to do now: 7 simple steps
How to turn this into an opportunity
Not all of this is bad news. Practices that prepare can come out ahead.
Gain new patients.
When plans close, patients go looking for doctors. If you accept the growing plans, say so on your website, Google Business Profile and phone script: "We accept [plan names] for 2027."
Welcome patients returning to Original Medicare.
Some seniors will switch back to regular Medicare. That usually means fewer prior approvals, fewer denials and steadier payment.
Negotiate better rates.
Insurers that are growing need doctors. If your practice is in demand, ask for better terms.
Look at special needs plans.
These plans serve patients with chronic conditions, or patients on both Medicare and Medicaid, and they are growing fast. They often pay more for care coordination, which suits primary care and chronic care practices.
Be the helpful practice.
Patients remember who helped them through a confusing change. Offering to check their coverage builds loyalty.
Key dates for Medicare Advantage 2027
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now | Find affected patients, check contracts, apply to networks |
| December 7, 2026 | Last day for patients to choose a 2027 plan |
| December 31, 2026 | Ending plans stop |
| January 1, 2027 | New plans start. Check insurance at every visit. |
| January 1 to March 31, 2027 | Medicare Advantage patients can switch plans one more time |
The bottom line
Know which patients are affected, get into the networks that are growing, talk to your patients before December 7, and check insurance at every visit in January. Practices that act now will keep their patients, and may gain new ones from practices that don't.
Frequently asked questions
Which Medicare Advantage plans are ending in 2027?
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Humana is ending plans for about 600,000 members, and UnitedHealthcare for about 390,000, mostly PPO plans. In addition, 18 insurers are leaving Medicare Advantage completely. Patients whose plan is ending should have received a letter, and they can check their options on Medicare.gov.
What happens to patients whose plan is ending?
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They can choose a new Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare during open enrollment, which ends December 7. If they don't choose, they are usually moved to Original Medicare and will need a separate drug plan. Patients whose plan ends also get some extra time to choose.
Can my practice recommend a Medicare plan to patients?
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No. You can tell patients which plans your practice accepts, but Medicare rules don't allow providers to steer patients to a specific plan. Refer patients to their state's free SHIP counselors, Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
When can patients switch Medicare Advantage plans?
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Patients can switch during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7). Patients already in a Medicare Advantage plan can also switch once between January 1 and March 31.
Feeling overwhelmed? HealthRescue Partners can help
You don't have to figure this out alone. If you're not sure which of your patients are affected, which plans to join for 2027, or how to prepare your front desk, HealthRescue Partners can help. We can:
- Explain what these changes mean for your practice in plain terms
- Give you a step-by-step checklist and patient letter templates
- Guide your team through the January transition
Sources
- UnitedHealthcare and Humana are ending Medicare Advantage plans for nearly 1 million peopleFortune / Healthcare Brew, Oct 20, 2026
- 18 payers exiting Medicare Advantage in 2027Becker's Payer Issues, Oct 2026
- Here's how much insurers are cutting Medicare Advantage plans for 2027Healthcare Dive
This article is general information, not legal or billing advice.