“While we're making steady progress in bridging this gap with states, the mismatch between rate adequacy and member acuity will likely extend through 2026.”

In context

“in range in 2027. Moving to ACA markets. We have submitted rate filings in nearly all of the 30 states where we participate that reflect 2025 morbidity and experience. These include average rate increases of over 25%. Where we are unable to reach agreement on sustainable rates, we are enacting targeted service area reductions. We believe these actions will establish a sustainable premium base while likely reducing our ACA enrollment by approximately 2/3. These actions should drive margin improvement in our employer and individual segment in 2026, though still below our targeted 7% to 9% range. In Medicaid, the path to recovery will be more challenging. States have not funded in line with actual cost trends. So funding levels are not sufficient to cover the health needs of state enrollees. While we're making steady progress in bridging this gap with states, the mismatch between rate adequacy and member acuity will likely extend through 2026. To date, we have received 2026 draft rates on almost half of our contracts, which have a January 1 rate cycle, and we continue to advocate for rate updates to better reflect our ongoing experience with elevated trends. Our team is focused on addressing drivers unique to these markets, especially behavioral health and will continue to push for appropriate funds. As I said last quarter, wherever states support responsible funding for Medicaid, we remain committed to serving people through that program and view this as integral to our mission. As we indicated in July, we anticipate Medicare margins will be breakeven for 2025. As we look to 2026, we expect margins to decline further as existing cost trends continue and the current rate environment does not change. Looking at UnitedHealthcare”