Millions will have fewer options during 2027 Medicare open enrollment as Advantage plans are wiped out in 181 counties

Despite this, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says “the total number of available MA plans nationally is expected to remain relatively stable,” adding that the total number of plans will only decrease by around 20.

“By slashing handouts to big insurance companies, CMS is keeping premiums stable while ensuring that 97% of Medicare beneficiaries have access to 10 or more MA plans,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in a press release. “We urge beneficiaries to use Open Enrollment as an opportunity to review their coverage, compare options, and pick up the plan that best suits their needs and budget.”

Here’s what to know about how MA access will change — and what’s behind the decisions.

Counties lacking Medicare Advantage have almost tripled

Depending on where you live, you could find yourself without any Medicare Advantage plans. Over 180 counties no longer have access to a single MA plan, up from 67 last year.

Even outside of those counties, your Advantage plan could still change. Major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare and Humana, are getting rid of hundreds to thousands of their MA plans. Most major insurers are also reducing the number of counties they cover for Medicare Advantage.

While the exact magnitude remains somewhat unclear, we think this does point to most [MA companies] trimming their footprints and creating disruption in 2027,” said J.P. Morgan analyst Lisa Gill to Healthcare Dive.

Healthcare Dive also reports that insurers plan to increase enrollees’ cost sharing — leading to you paying more whenever you receive healthcare.

Higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are easy to miss when considering new healthcare plans, so keep an eye out if you’re forced to change your coverage.

Over 70% of insurance leaders reported that the benefits packages they offer will be weaker than they were in 2026. Not a single one reported that they would be making their benefits better.

Medicare is getting more expensive

Medicare Advantage is in a weird place right now. MA costs the government more than traditional Medicare, making it, as a whole, an expensive part of the national budget.