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Riley Demands Answers from Insurance Companies Cutting Medicare Advantage Plans in Upstate New York

 

ITHACA, N.Y. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) sent letters to the CEOs of UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS Health demanding answers for their decision to drop Medicare Advantage plans in rural communities across Upstate New York.

“For too long, rural America has been sold out and left behind by corporations that treat our neighbors like numbers on a spreadsheet. Those days are over. If a health insurance company wants the privilege of doing business with the federal government, then they don’t get to abandon seniors in Upstate New York,” said Rep. Riley.

More than two million New Yorkers rely on Medicare Advantage for affordable coverage, including lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Riley’s letter follows reports that UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS Health will scale back these plans in rural communities in 2026 — a move that could leave rural seniors with fewer or no local options.

Riley is demanding clear answers from company executives, including:

  • The reasons behind ending these plans, including financial or regulatory factors.

  • The number of affected enrollees by county and plan type.

  • A list of all ZIP codes in NY-19 losing coverage, and whether alternate plans exist.

  • What steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition for seniors.

  • Whether profits or executive compensation influenced the decision.

  • How the companies plan to prevent future disruptions and serve rural areas.

He has given the companies until Friday, November 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM to respond. The full letter is available HERE.

This action builds on Riley’s ongoing push to keep health care affordable and close to home for Upstate families:

  • April 2025: Supported the Protecting Options for Seniors Act (H.R. 2610) to ensure fairer reimbursement rates for rural hospitals.

  • May 2025: Requested over $55 million for rural infrastructure and community health projects for Fiscal Year 2026.

  • July 2025: Opposed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) that cut Medicaid and threatened hospital closures.

  • August 2025: Co-sponsored the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act (H.R. 3063) to provide $500 million in emergency support for rural hospitals.

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