Like other big health insurers, CVS is exiting unprofitable markets while trimming members—a playbook to earn Wall Street approval as patients scramble for new coverage.

By cutting unprofitable members to restore margins and investing in AI to boost efficiency, UnitedHealth’s strategy offers insurers a 2026 survival guide.

Tighter Medicare Advantage oversight may force insurers to cut perks, exit markets, and leave seniors navigating pricier plans.

Aetna is finally finding its footing, managing medical costs more effectively, even as industry-wide pressures remain.

The healthcare giant’s forecasted decline in revenues signals an industry-wide pivot from expansion to cost discipline.

The three health insurers with the largest Medicare Advantage (MA) footprint (UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS) are cutting membership in 2026 and rolling back plan offerings in certain regions. Many seniors who were lured by aggressive MA marketing promising extra benefits and free perks must now find a new MA plan or switch to traditional Medicare. The Medicare annual enrollment period is underway, offering insurers a chance to rebuild trust with seniors by providing online tools and live support to help them understand their options and switch plans if needed.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down: New leadership will aim to straighten out the company’s Medicare Advantage business to appease Wall Street. But we’re also keeping an eye on what they’ll do to improve UHG’s sinking reputation.

Senate confirms Dr. Oz to lead CMS: Reducing Medicare Advantage overpayments could be a priority for Oz and his team. Looming cuts to Medicaid will be tougher to justify.

DOJ will examine UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices: The Trump administration has made “waste, fraud, and abuse” a rallying cry. Now, we find out how serious they are about it.

CVS gives investors hope for a better 2025: The key to satisfying Wall Street is to stabilize Aetna. Here’s how CVS plans to make it happen.

CVS’ biggest healthcare moves in 2024: Eyeing a return to profitability for Aetna, the company prioritized cost-cutting measures and new leadership. We examine which of its health-focused moves could ultimately have the biggest impact on its bottom line.

CMS must recalculate UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage star ratings: The ruling could be a good omen for Medicare Advantage insurers whose ratings were downgraded.

CMS must recalculate UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage star ratings: The ruling could be a good omen for Medicare Advantage insurers whose ratings were downgraded.

Trump taps Dr. Oz to helm the CMS: We detail what the celebrity doctor’s appointment would mean for the future of Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and consumers enrolled in these plans.

More bad news for Medicare Advantage insurers: Humana’s huge drop in star ratings is another indicator that MA plans will likely cut seniors’ benefits in the future.

Senior-focused primary care orgs get patients to have more visits: While interesting, new findings from the Humana-led study should be taken with a grain of salt. The insurer has skin in the game with its CenterWell Senior Primary Care brand and clinics.

CVS-Oak Street rumored deal is a Medicare Advantage play: The retailer could soon be placing a big bet on value-based primary care. Is it enough to match its healthcare rivals?

Humana, CVS battle for Cano Health: We unpack why the two companies are going after primary care disruptor Cano, and posit which player might have the upper hand.

The “never growing old” generation now faces retirement, a host of chronic health conditions, and mortality. The pandemic sparked a major shift toward digital channels to find health information, assess providers, and research Medicare plans and options.