As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, thousands of seniors are receiving notification that their Medicare Advantage plan won’t be available next year, leaving nearly 3 million older Americans scrambling to find alternative coverage.

Forced Disenrollment: A Growing Concern

According to an analysis by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, one in 10 Medicare Advantage policyholders face forced disenrollment this year, a rate that has jumped significantly from previous years. In 2025, the annual forced disenrollment rate averaged around 6.9%, and it’s expected to reach 10% this year, affecting as many as 2.9 million Americans.

Humana, a major insurer, has announced its exit from multiple markets in 2027, impacting 600,000 members. This decision is part of a larger trend, as multiple large insurers have substantially reduced their Medicare Advantage offerings for 2026, citing financial pressures and policy uncertainty.

The Impact of Insurer Exits

The consequences of insurer exits are far-reaching, particularly in rural areas where there may be limited choice. In 12 states, more than one in five policyholders are losing their plan, and in Vermont, 92% of policyholders will be forced to find another option. This can lead to reduced competition, fewer choices, and ultimately, higher costs for seniors.