Humana is planning to exit more Medicare Advantage markets in 2027, as the insurer works toward a long-term goal of returning to a sustainable profit margin by 2028.
This change is expected to affect approximately 600,000 people enrolled in these plans nationwide, about 8% of Humana’s 7.2 million Medicare Advantage members.
This round looks a little different from last year’s. We haven’t heard whether Humana is pulling out of whole states like it did for 2026, but it looks less likely right now. Humana says it’s now targeting the plans with the lowest returns, while trying to keep its higher performing plans and their coverage intact.
The company also says it will work to enroll as many of these members as it can into other plans it offers, similar to what happened after its 2025 exits.
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 2027.
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.
Why Is Humana Exiting Medicare Advantage Markets in 2027?
Humana continues to face financial pressure in the Medicare Advantage market, with medical costs and lower star ratings continuing to weigh on profits. Rather than exiting whole markets the way it did for 2026, the company says this round is more targeted, cutting the “lower tail of profitability” while prioritizing plans with stronger value-based care.
This follows many of the same broader industry challenges from last year, including:
- The Inflation Reduction Act’s continued impact on prescription drug costs, including the new $2,400 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription spending introduced for 2027
- CMS benchmark rates that, according to some insurers, are still not keeping pace with rising medical costs, even after CMS finalized a stronger-than-expected 2.48% average Medicare Advantage rate increase for 2027 in April, up from the flat 0.09% it had originally proposed
- Tight regulations on Medicare Advantage Plans
After its 2025 exits, the company recaptured just over 40% of affected members, and it expects a similar recapture rate, or roughly 240,000 people, this time around.
Where Is Humana Leaving?
Unlike the 2026 exits, Humana hasn’t released a state-by-state or county-by-county list for 2027 yet. The company has said it’s “too early to provide many specifics” on its 2027 bid strategy, and more details should become available as Annual Notice of Change letters go out later this year.
Here’s what Humana has confirmed so far about the 2027 exits:
- Approximately 600,000 enrollees affected nationwide, about 8% of Humana’s 7.2 million Medicare Advantage members
- Most of the affected plans are rated 3.5 stars or lower for the 2027 bonus year
- Humana expects to recapture about 40% of these members, or roughly 240,000 people, into other plans it offers
For comparison, the 2026 exits involved dropping coverage in two states, reducing Humana’s footprint to 46 states plus Washington, D.C., and pulling out of 194 counties, with county coverage falling from 89% to 85%.
Humana isn’t the only insurer trimming its Medicare Advantage footprint for 2027. Presbyterian Health Plan recently announced it is exiting most of its Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, affecting about 30,000 members.
How Do You Find Out If You Are Affected?
The changes are likely to primarily impact:
- Individual Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs and PPOs) in lower-performing plans
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for dual-eligible or chronic-condition members, which Humana largely preserved and even expanded during its 2026 round of exits
- If you are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, Humana should send you a CMS-mandated notice by early October 2026 if your plan is being discontinued in 2027.
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 2027.
If you haven’t received a notice that your plan is being discontinued in 2027, 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 2027, it’s still wise to review your ANOC this year. Humana may be reducing coverage 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 2027
If you are currently enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, here are four steps you can take to switch plans for 2027 and avoid coverage interruption.
Step #1: Find Out if Your Plan is Ending
Remember, not all Humana Medicare Advantage Plans are ending in 2027. However, with approximately 600,000 members affected, it’s important to verify your plan’s status.
Keep a lookout for 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, 2027, 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, 2027.
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 2027, 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 2027 without bias.
If you need help in these confusing times, feel free to call or text us at +1 877-360-6565 (TTY: 711) 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 2027 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 2026 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 2027, 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 you ever need assistance comparing plans or finding another Humana plan that may be a better fit for you, you can contact one of our licensed insurance agents here at PlanFit for help at any time.
Calvin Bagley is the founder of PlanFit, The Medicare Store, and Nuvo Health. He and his team have helped over 60,000 people navigate Medicare options, and he’s a nationally recognized speaker in the Medicare industry. Most importantly, he’s someone who believes every American deserves clear, honest information without pressure.