Humana is planning to exit Medicare Advantage markets in 2026, dropping coverage in two states (reducing its presence to 46 states plus Washington, D.C.). This change is expected to affect approximately 500,000 people enrolled in these plans nationwide.
If you are affected by this change, know that you are not alone. The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure a smooth transition into a new plan for 2026.
In this article, we’ll have a quick look at why Humana is leaving, how to find out if you’ll be impacted, and the four steps you can take.
If you’d like help looking for a new plan, you can call us at +1 877-360-6565 (TTY: 771). As licensed insurance agents, we can walk you through your options — and it doesn’t cost you anything to work with us.
Why Is Humana Exiting Medicare Advantage Markets in 2025?
Humana continues to face financial pressures in the Medicare Advantage market, with rising medical costs outpacing government reimbursements. The company is strategically exiting unprofitable markets, primarily in rural or mid-sized areas where cost trends exceed Medicare payments.
This follows broader industry challenges, including:
- The Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on prescription drug costs, including removing the Donut Hole and limiting beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket spending to $2,000 for prescription drug plans
- Reduced CMS benchmark rates that haven’t kept pace with medical cost inflation
- Tight regulations on Medicare Advantage Plans
Who Is Affected? How Do You Find Out If You Are Affected?
Humana’s 2026 Medicare Advantage footprint will include:
- Dropping coverage in two states, reducing presence to 46 states plus Washington, D.C. (down from 48 states in 2025)
- Coverage in 85% of U.S. counties (a 4% decrease from 89% in 2025)
- Approximately 500,000 enrollees affected nationwide (representing a ~5-7% drop from Humana’s current 7-8 million MA members)
Humana is exiting portions of two unspecified states and hundreds of counties deemed unprofitable, primarily in rural or mid-sized markets where cost trends outpace reimbursements.cted
The changes primarily impact:
- Individual Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs and PPOs) in low-margin locales
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for dual-eligible or chronic-condition members are largely preserved, with Humana actually expanding SNPs in new states to offset losses elsewhere
If you are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, Humana should send you a CMS-mandated notice by early October 2025 if your plan is being discontinued in 2026.
If it is not being discontinued, they should have sent you an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) before September 30, which will go over all your plan’s changes for 2026.
If you haven’t received a notice that your plan is being discontinued in 2026, you may also call your insurance company to find out. Alternatively, you can call us and we’ll investigate for you at no cost to you.
Note: Even if your plan is not being shut down in 2026, it’s still wise to review your ANOC this year. Humana may be reducing benefits in several areas, and these changes may mean your current plan won’t be the right fit for you anymore.
4 Steps to Take If Your Plan is Not Renewing in 2026
If you are currently enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, here are four steps you can take to switch plans for 2026 and avoid coverage interruption.
Step #1: Find Out if Your Plan is Ending
Remember, not all Humana Medicare Advantage Plans are ending in 2026. However, with approximately 500,000 members affected, it’s important to verify your plan’s status.
At this stage, you should have gotten an official announcement from your insurance provider to see if your plan is ending. You may check that for more information.
Step #2: Switch Plans During the Annual Enrollment Period
Humana has stated that it has other plan options for people on their discontinued Medicare Advantage Plans. However, you don’t necessarily have to enroll in one of these.
On January 1, 2026, people enrolled in one of these discontinued Medicare Advantage plans will lose their coverage.
However, if they enroll in another plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), their current coverage will end on December 31, and the new plan’s coverage will begin on January 1.
If they miss the Annual Enrollment Period, they may still have until December 31 to change plans. If they don’t, they will be without coverage starting January 1, 2026.
If they fail to enroll in another plan, they will automatically revert back to Original Medicare on January 1.
Note: you can switch between several Medicare Advantage Plans during the Annual Enrollment Period. Whatever plan you enroll in last before the window closes will be the one you have the following year.
Step #3: Consider a Medicare Supplement Plan
If you are losing your Medicare Advantage Plan in 2026, you may enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L without having to pass medical underwriting. This is because one of the guaranteed issue rights situations is if you lose your Medicare Advantage Plan.
You may enroll in these plans without medical underwriting 60 days before your Medicare Advantage ends, and up to 63 days after your Medicare Advantage Plan ends.
Note: Medicare Supplement Plans work differently from Medicare Advantage Plans. Before choosing this option, make sure you research these differences first!
Step #4: Talk to a Licensed Insurance Agent For Help
Humana is likely to try to get you to enroll in one of their other Medicare plans. However, these may or may not be the right fit for you.
Many people choose to contact an unbiased licensed insurance agent for help. Licensed insurance agents work with several different insurance companies in your area. They can listen to your needs, and help you find the right plan fit for you in 2026 without bias.
Licensed insurance agents can also help you avoid potential pitfalls in these uncertain times, and can save you money by doing so.
Finally, licensed insurance agents are paid by commission, so you can get their services at no cost to you! So if you need help in these confusing times, feel free to call or text us at +1 877-360-6565 (TTY: 771) and we’d be glad to assist you.
Bonus: Switch Plans During Your Special Enrollment Period
If your Medicare Advantage Plan is being discontinued, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that runs from December 8 to the end of February of the following year. During this period, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan available in your area.
Generally speaking, if your plan is shutting down in 2026 and you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can technically switch plans until February 28. However, if you wait this long, you would be without full coverage from January 1 to February 28. That’s why it’s popular to get new coverage within the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period window (October 15-December 7).
If your insurance company is not renewing your Medicare Advantage Plan, you also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This period runs from December 8 to the last day of February of the following year. During this time, you may enroll in another Medicare Advantage Plan available in your area.
Conclusion – Stay Calm
If you’ve just received news that your Medicare Advantage Plan is ending in 2026, it’s important to stay calm.
As long as you follow the four steps above, you should be able to enroll in a new plan without much trouble.
Finally, if ever you need assistance comparing plans and finding the right one for you, you can contact one of our licensed insurance agents here at PlanFit for help at any time!