Centene to Exit 344 Counties and Three States in 2027 Medicare Advantage Pullback

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Summary · why it matters

Centene Corporation is pulling its standard Medicare Advantage plans from 344 counties for 2027 and exiting Hawaii, Oklahoma and Tennessee, as its Wellcare unit narrows its plan lineup and reduces its presence in several counties. Wellcare will retain a stronger presence in Special Needs Plans, with D-SNP products representing nearly half of its 2027 Medicare Advantage offerings, while dual-eligible members account for roughly 40% of its Medicare Advantage membership. The retrenchment comes as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expects weighted average monthly Medicare Advantage premiums to decline 16.5% in 2027, with projected enrollment of 34 million. Competitors are making similar moves: UnitedHealth Group is pulling standard plans from 140 counties while adding more Special Needs Plans, and Humana plans to exit 57 counties and Minnesota for 2027 while reducing certain PPO offerings. Centene shares have surged 56.3% year to date, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2026 earnings stands at $4.89 per share, implying 135.1% growth from the year-ago period.

Impact on assets 3

Aging Population▼
Humana Inc
HUM
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

Humana plans to exit 57 counties and Minnesota for 2027 while reducing certain PPO offerings, mirroring the Medicare Advantage retrenchment.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
UNH
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

UnitedHealth is pulling standard Medicare Advantage plans from 140 counties while adding more Special Needs Plans for 2027.

Health Care▼
Centene Corp
CNC
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

Centene is pulling standard Medicare Advantage plans from 344 counties and exiting Hawaii, Oklahoma and Tennessee for 2027 amid CMS premium pressure.