09/18/2026
Next year is shaping up to be tumultuous for Medicare Advantage as insurers continue to shore up their profits.
Why it matters: Benefit cuts and insurer exits from certain markets mean more upheaval for seniors — and right before the midterm elections.
Driving the news: Based on insurance broker commentary, "it appears 2027 sets up as another year of broad-based industry benefit reductions with [Humana] and [UnitedHealthcare] likely cutting the most," a Leerink analyst note declared earlier this week.
Common strategies include removing "giveback" benefits that pay part of beneficiaries' Part B premium, cutting major dental benefits, increasing copays for specialist care, as well as changing out-of-pocket drug costs.
Some plans are even capping enrollment midway through the sign-up period, the note says.
The insurance brokers get an early look atn next year's plan design and benefits.
