Detroit-based Henry Ford Health saw Medicare Advantage membership climb 45.8% year over year during the first half of 2026 as its insurance business helped drive revenue growth.
Seven things to know:
1. Medicare Advantage membership reached 132,566 as of June 30, up from 90,935 at the same point in 2025, according to Henry Ford Health’s second-quarter financial report published Aug. 25. That represents an increase of 41,631 members, or about 46%.
2. Overall enrollment in Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health increased 8.5% year over year to 512,387 covered lives. Self-funded membership rose to 167,070 from 153,621 and group insured commercial membership increased to 148,076 from 138,802. Medicaid membership declined to 37,409 from 43,779, while individual membership dropped to 3,557 from 22,834.
3. The membership gains translated into significant revenue growth for Henry Ford’s insurance operations. Healthcare premium revenue increased 26.1% to $1.7 billion in the six months ended June 30, compared with $1.4 billion during the same period in 2025. Henry Ford attributed the increase primarily to Medicare Advantage membership growth, partially offset by lower individual membership.
4. The growth also pushed expenses higher. Healthcare provider expenses increased 34.4% year over year to $1 billion, primarily because of expanded Medicare Advantage membership. Henry Ford reported an 86.9% medical loss ratio, which was slightly higher than a year earlier because of membership mix and growth.
5. The results come amid broader growth for Henry Ford’s health plan. In May, the system rebranded HAP as Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health, emphasizing the payer’s integration with the health system.
6. During an episode of the “Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast” in July, Health Alliance Plan President Margaret Anderson said the organization had reached its largest membership base in recent history. The growth stands out in a challenging environment for provider-sponsored health plans and Medicare Advantage. National MA enrollment grew less than 1% during the most recent annual enrollment period, while several large national insurers lost members.
7. Henry Ford Health reported $7 billion in total revenue for the first half of 2026, up 9.6% year over year. Operating income fell to $80.1 million from $129 million, resulting in a 1.1% operating margin.
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