Private Medicare Plans Raise Costs For Millions Of Enrollees

Millions of Americans with private Medicare coverage face canceled plans and higher medical expenses for 2027 after insurers reduced offerings in some markets, according to analysts and insurance experts. The changes were reported by The New York Times on October 9, 2026, as open enrollment begins.

Major insurers, including UnitedHealth, Centene and state Blue Cross plans, have ended some policies they considered unprofitable, leaving many older adults with fewer insurance choices and narrower doctor networks.

According to Duos, a health technology firm, about five million people will need to change plans because their current policies were canceled or are no longer available in their counties. Other estimates are lower, but analysts said cancellations are expected to exceed the previous record.

The disruption is especially affecting some rural counties from Oregon to New Hampshire, where older residents shopping for private Medicare Advantage coverage may find fewer plans or no available options, according to insurance industry analysts.

The Trump administration has described the Medicare Advantage program as stable and said average premiums will be lower next year. The administration’s claims come as millions of enrollees prepare for changes in benefits, costs and provider access.

"stable" according to the Trump administration.

Recipients who depend on Social Security and other fixed incomes are expected to face higher out-of-pocket expenses when filling prescriptions or receiving medical care, according to the report.

The private Medicare plans cover about 35 million older Americans, and insurance brokers and experts said the upcoming enrollment period is likely to bring significant changes for many members.

Some insurers have withdrawn plans from markets after evaluating profitability, while others have reduced available options in specific areas. The changes could affect older voters as concerns about healthcare affordability remain prominent before the midterm elections.

A KFF poll released this week found that nearly twice as many likely voters trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle healthcare costs, according to the report.