Medicare Advantage in 2026: Key Changes You Need to Know

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan—or are considering one—2026 includes several important updates that may affect your coverage, costs, and benefits. Here are the key changes explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way:

1. Monthly Premiums Are Slightly Lower on Average

The average Medicare Advantage premium is about $14 per month in 2026, down from $16.40 in 2025.

👉 Keep in mind: Your actual premium depends on the plan you choose and where you live.


2. Fewer Plans Available in Some Areas

The total number of Medicare Advantage plans has slightly decreased in 2026

The average number of plan choices per person has also gone down

👉 This means you may have fewer options than last year, so reviewing your plan is important.


3. Supplemental Benefits Are Changing (Some Reduced)

While many plans still offer benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, some extra benefits have been reduced:

  1. OTC (over-the-counter) benefits: 66% of plans (down from 73% in 2025)
  2. Meal benefits: 57% (down from 65%)
  3. Transportation benefits: 24% (down from 30%)

👉 Some plans may offer fewer extra benefits compared to previous years.


4. Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit Slightly Decreased

The maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit for in-network services is:

  1. $9,250 in 2026 (down from $9,350 in 2025)

👉 This is the most you would pay for covered medical services in a year.


5. Prescription Drug Cost Changes (Important)

Even if your plan includes prescription drug coverage:

  1. Annual out-of-pocket drug cap is $2,100 in 2026
  2. Part D deductible may be up to $615
  3. Some drug prices are decreasing due to Medicare negotiations

👉 Your medication costs may change—even if your plan stays the same.


6. More Plan Terminations in 2026

Some Medicare Advantage plans ended going into 2026, which means:

  1. You may have been automatically moved to a different plan, or
  2. You may need to select a new plan

👉 Always confirm that your current plan is still available.


7. Plan Benefits and Cost Sharing May Change

Plans may adjust:

  1. Copays and coinsurance
  2. Deductibles
  3. Covered services

Additionally, overall benefit values have slightly decreased in some plans.

👉 Even if your plan name stays the same, your costs and coverage may be different in 2026.


8. Medicare Advantage Funding Increased

Medicare Advantage plan payments increased by approximately 5% for 2026.

👉 This supports plan availability but does not guarantee lower costs or richer benefits for every plan.


9. Access to Plans Remains Strong

  1. Over 99% of Medicare beneficiaries still have access to a Medicare Advantage plan
  2. Most individuals have access to 10 or more plan options

👉 Even with fewer plans overall, you likely still have multiple choices.


What This Means for You

Medicare Advantage remains widely available in 2026, but benefits, costs, and plan options have changed.

That’s why it’s important to:

  1. Review your plan every year
  2. Check your doctors and prescriptions
  3. Compare other available options


Important Reminder

Medicare plans change every year. The plan that worked for you last year may not be the best fit for 2026.

We can provide information and help you review your options so you can make an informed decision.


Disclaimer

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent a number of organizations which offer a variety of products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.