UnitedHealthcare will end its Medicare managed-care plans in Stanislaus County starting January 1. This change will require several thousand local Medicare recipients currently enrolled with UnitedHealthcare to find a new insurer to maintain their Medicare Advantage benefits.
Medicare Advantage, which covers more than 3.5 million Californians, is a government-supported insurance program that limits out-of-pocket expenses and typically requires members to use specific networks of doctors and hospitals. These plans often include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, hearing, and vision care.
According to Reuters, UnitedHealthcare will withdraw its Medicare Advantage offerings from 109 counties across the United States, affecting about 180,000 people nationwide. The company stated that customers were notified of this decision on October 2.
In Stanislaus County, three AARP Medicare Advantage United Health HMO plans previously available will not be offered in 2026. Two of these plans worked with Sutter Health and AllCare for physician services and Memorial Medical Center for hospital care. The third plan’s network included AllCare, Memorial Medical Center, Doctors Medical Center, and Emanuel hospital in Turlock.
Medicare beneficiaries affected by this change can switch to another provider during the fall enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.
To help residents understand their options and upcoming changes effective January 1, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) in Modesto is organizing a forum at the Stanislaus Veterans Center on October 17 at 9 a.m., located at 3500 Coffee Road. Officials from HICAP and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will join representatives from other approved Medicare Advantage plans in the county to discuss plan benefits and answer questions.
Advocates recommend that seniors ensure any new plan they choose includes their current doctors and covers necessary prescriptions. HICAP is also working to confirm which other insurers contract with Sutter Health and AllCare so attendees can compare options at the forum.
Despite UnitedHealthcare’s exit, nine insurers will continue offering Medicare Advantage plans in Stanislaus County next year. Monthly premiums for these plans range from zero up to $97 in 2025.
The local HICAP office provides guidance on navigating Medicare choices at its office at 3500 Coffee Road, suite 19 in Modesto or by phone at 209-558-4540.
