Why are insurance companies discontinuing Medicare Advantage plans?
Asked by: Luz Goyette | Last update: March 14, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)
Why are Medicare Advantage plans being canceled?
Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.
Why are payers exiting Medicare Advantage?
BCBS Kansas City exited the Medicare Advantage market at the end of 2024, citing increasing regulatory requirements and financial headwinds. Aetna is bracing to lose up to 10% of its more than 4 million Medicare Advantage members in 2025 as it prioritizes profitability, executives said in May.
Why are seniors losing their Medicare Advantage plans?
Health systems and hospitals are also making the decision to cancel contracts due to excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Already 27 health systems have canceled their Medicare Advantage contracts this year.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Medicare Supplement coverage denied? Why insurance companies deny you (and what to do about it).
Why are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?
Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.
What is happening to Medicare Advantage plans in 2025?
Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.
Is Humana pulling out of Medicare Advantage plans?
Humana declined to name the areas; about 560,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted. Humana will stop offering Medicare Advantage (MA) in 13 counties in 2025, Humana CFO Susan Diamond said in a published report in Becker's Payer Issues dated Sept.
Who is the largest Medicare Advantage provider?
- UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. ...
- Aetna is a CVS Health company and is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Do all hospitals accept Medicare Advantage plans?
While most hospitals do accept Original Medicare, there may be some that do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. However, if you have a medical emergency while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can seek care at any ER or hospital in the country.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
- Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
- With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.
Is Humana in trouble financially?
Humana shares, among the sector's most hard hit, have fallen nearly 44% so far this year, after the company withdrew its 2025 forecast previously, citing disappointing government Medicare reimbursement rates.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Is Humana going out of business?
On February 23, 2023, Humana announced its plan to exit the employer-based insurance business over the next 18 to 24 months. The company will instead focus on government-funded programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid and military, as well as specialty businesses.
Is Mayo Clinic no longer accepting Medicare Advantage plans?
We do not accept noncontracted Medicare Advantage Plans.
Why are hospitals dropping Medicare Advantage?
Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Some systems have noted that most MA carriers have faced allegations of billing fraud from the federal government and are being probed by lawmakers over their high denial rates.
Which health insurance company denies the most claims?
According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.
What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?
Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.
Is Medicare getting rid of Advantage plans?
Many older adults will see their Medicare Advantage plan eliminated next year, but that could be a boon for those who want to exit the program and move to government-run Medicare. Medicare Advantage, the privately run alternative to traditional Medicare, now enrolls more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries.
What went wrong with Humana?
Humana's stock dived when it announced a sharp decline in memberships for the top-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. There are serious concerns among investors that the company may not be as attractive an income investment play as it used to be. Humana earns revenue through healthcare services and health insurance.
Is Humana owned by UnitedHealthcare?
United HealthCare Corp.'s acquisition of Humana Inc., once valued at $5.5 billion, has been derailed by a plunge in United's stock price. The companies said today that they mutually agreed to scrap the deal, which would have created one of the nation's largest managed-care companies.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
Why is Humana losing Medicare Advantage plans?
To protect profits, Humana and its peers in MA slashed their plans for 2025, cutting benefits and exiting underperforming markets. Plans appear to have focused cuts around supplemental benefits like over-the-counter and flex cards, which give seniors funds to spend on eligible items.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.