Medicare Advantage left nearly 3 million seniors without plans as options shrink

A February 2026 JAMA study and CMS data report about 2.9 million Medicare Advantage enrollees were forced off HMO and PPO plans this year as insurers exited many counties, and the Medicare Advantage open enrollment window ran January 1–March 31 with most further changes limited until the fall Annual Enrollment Period.

Insurers reduced or withdrew Medicare Advantage plans across many counties in 2025–2026, prompting widespread forced disenrollments for affected members. A February 2026 JAMA study, using CMS data, found roughly 2.9 million enrollees were forced off individual HMO and PPO plans in 2026, a sharp rise from prior years. Federal officials at CMS have said they are monitoring these market shifts while payments to plans and insurer offerings have been changing. Key facts about the market shift: - About 2.9 million Medicare Advantage enrollees were reported as forced to disenroll in 2026, representing roughly a 10% forced-disenrollment rate for individual HMO and PPO beneficiaries according to the study and CMS data. - Insurers and analysts cite higher health-care utilization and slower federal payment growth as factors behind plan exits and benefit reductions; CMS has announced it is monitoring trends in the program. - The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year; changes made during that window generally take effect the first day of the following month, and most additional changes are limited until the fall Annual Enrollment Period beginning October 15. Summary: The reported insurer exits have left millions without their chosen Medicare Advantage plans and narrowed options in many counties, particularly affecting areas with fewer carriers. Officials say CMS is monitoring developments while insurers adjust offerings and payments. The practical enrollment schedule included the January 1–March 31 window for plan changes, with further changes generally limited until the October 15 Annual Enrollment Period. Undetermined at this time.