📰 Industry Update: UnitedHealth Exits Plans Amid Rising Healthcare Costs

What's Happening with United Health Care?

UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, has announced plans to exit markets affecting over 600,000 members. The decision is part of a broader effort to recover from rising medical costs and operational challenges.

In a recent update, executives shared that they are leaving less-managed plans like PPOs, and may even exit more Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in the near future.

What This Means for You

The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. is creating major shifts in the insurance industry—and one of the biggest players, UnitedHealth Group (UHG), is making significant changes to stay afloat. At Singing River Financial, we want to keep you informed about developments that could impact your coverage options, especially if you’re enrolled in Medicare or Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.

What’s driving these decisions?

The short answer: skyrocketing medical cost.

Medical expenses have surged in 2025, outpacing projections across the board:

• Medicare Advantage costs rose by 7.5%

• Medicare Supplement costs jumped 11%

• Fully Insured Group Plans up 11%

• Medicaid Behavioral Servies are up 20%

  
  

UnitedHealth’s leadership explained that emergency room visits and bundled services are costing more than ever, and their pricing strategy simply hasn’t kept up.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re currently covered under a UnitedHealthcare plan, especially an ACA Marketplace plan or PPO-style coverage, it’s a good time to review your options. Some plans may not be renewed for 2026, and others could come with higher premiums due to rising medical costs.

Even if you’re not with UnitedHealthcare, the ripple effects could impact pricing and plan availability across other carriers as well.

Medicare Members: Pay Attention

UnitedHealthcare has also come under increased scrutiny for its Medicare practices and is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice. While this doesn’t directly affect your current benefits, it’s a reminder of how important it is to work with a knowledgeable, independent agent who can help you navigate changes in the Medicare landscape.

Our Promise to You

These changes highlight the importance of having a trusted agent to help navigate the ever-changing insurance world. At Singing River Financial, we work for YOU—not the insurance companies—so your best interest always comes first.

Let’s review your current plan and ensure you’re still on the best path forward. The consultation is free and personalized.

At Singing River Financial, we monitor industry changes closely so we can guide our clients with accurate, up-to-date advice. If your plan is affected or if you’re just unsure about what to do next, we’re here to help.

Let’s schedule a no-cost review of your current health or Medicare plan to make sure it still fits your needs.

📞 Call/Text: 256-980-1983

📧 Email: kim@singingriverfinancial.com

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