Leading health insurers announced Wednesday that they will scale back their Medicare Advantage offerings next year as the health insurance industry braces for decreases in government reimbursement.
The U.S. government has been cutting back payments on Medicare Advantage since 2024 to reduce spending. Medicare Advantage is a privately-run insurance program that serves people aged 65 and above as well as those with disabilities.
CVS Health's Aetna insurance business said its prescription drug plans will be available in 100 fewer counties than what is available in 2025, while Humana will scale back the availability of its plans to 85% of counties, down from 89% this year. UnitedHealth said it will stop operating in 109 counties, which will affect about 180,000 people.
UnitedHealth manages the largest Medicare Advantage business, while Humana ranks second and CVS Health's is the fourth-largest.