Riley wants answers about scaled-back Medicare Advantage plans

KINGSTON, N.Y. — U.S. Rep. Josh Riley has fired off letters to healthcare insurers seeking explanations on their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans in rural communities across Upstate New York.

Riley, D-Ithaca, who represents the 19th Congressional District, said that he has sent letters to the chief executive officers 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," Riley said in a statement. "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."

More than two million New Yorkers rely on Medicare Advantage for affordable coverage, including lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, Riley's office said.

Riley said his 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:

In a separate email, Riley's office said the office has been swamped with constituent concerns about the matter and that the congressman is "hoping to get a clearer picture of exactly how many people are impacted."