UnitedHealth Is Cutting Medicare Advantage Plans. Here Is Where UNH Stock Could Be Headed Next.

Core Insights - UnitedHealth is reducing its Medicare Advantage offerings for 2025, exiting over 100 plans across 109 counties in 16 states, affecting up to 180,000 beneficiaries due to regulatory changes, federal funding cuts, and rising healthcare costs [1][4] Company Summary - UnitedHealth's stock has shown resilience, increasing more than 50% from its year-to-date low in early August despite the announcement [2] - The company's head of government programs stated that current market conditions are unsustainable, prompting necessary portfolio adjustments for financial stability [4] Industry Summary - The Medicare Advantage market is experiencing significant stress, with enrollment growth slowing to just 3% between 2024-2025, a trend also seen in other major insurers like Aetna and Humana [3] - Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise by 11.6% to $206.50 next year, with deductibles expected to increase by 12% to $288, adding financial pressure on insurers and beneficiaries [4] - Options data indicates investor caution, with expected stock movement suggesting downside risk due to regulatory tightening, funding cuts, and rising costs [5][6]