UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Shift 2027 Medicare Advantage Toward HMOs, Making Doctor Network Checks Vital Before Open Enrollment

The two largest names in Medicare Advantage are steering 2027 members toward plans with tighter doctor networks. UnitedHealthcare will exit some areas where it offers a higher share of preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, and Aetna is expanding health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, Reuters reported on October 1.

For a retiree, that shift can quietly change who the family calls when a parent needs a cardiologist. A PPO lets members see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. An HMO generally does not, except for emergencies and a few other situations.