If you’re looking to compare Medicare Advantage plans, it’s crucial to understand the latest updates for 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a set of policy changes on September 18 2025 that affect plan offerings, payments and how coverage is structured. Among the key changes: government payments to Medicare Advantage plans are expected to increase by about 5.06% on average from 2025 to 2026, and the contract year 2026 rule addresses supplemental benefits, Star Ratings and enhanced tools to support plan comparison.
Why it matters now
More Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans than ever before, making the differences between plans—the networks, benefits, costs and quality—highly impactful. When you compare Medicare Advantage plans now, you’re choosing not just a health insurance alternative, but a plan that may steer how you access care, what you pay and the extras you receive. With the upcoming open enrollment approaching (October 15–December 7 for 2026 coverage) and the landscape shifting, it’s time to dig in.
What “compare Medicare Advantage plans” really means
When you set out to compare Medicare Advantage plans, your evaluation should include:
- Plan type – For example HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or SNP (Special Needs Plan).
- Costs – Monthly premiums, deductibles, copays and the annual out-of-pocket maximum.
- Provider network – Whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network; how restrictive the network is.
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D) – Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage; ensure your medications are covered.
- Extra benefits – Dental, vision, hearing services; transportation; fitness programs; supplemental wellness benefits.
- Plan quality/ratings – CMS uses a Star Ratings system (1-5 stars) to evaluate performance, service and outcomes.
- Eligibility and timing – When you can enroll or switch, and how changes year to year might impact you.
Recent updates you must know
Here are the fresh developments in the Medicare Advantage plan space as you compare your options:
- CMS’s final rule for contract year 2026 modernises and improves Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs, affecting special-needs plans, prescription drug benefit design, and supplemental benefits.
- Average government payment growth to MA plans is expected at about 5.06% from 2025 to 2026.
- The national fact sheet shows nearly universal access to MA plans in 2026, with many states reporting that 100% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one MA plan.
- Tools to compare plans will get an upgrade: Starting with the 2026 plan year, the Medicare Plan Finder will include enhanced features such as provider-directory information, expanded display of supplemental benefits and an AI-powered drug cost search tool.
- Although premiums for MA plans may trend downward in some regions, total costs to beneficiaries may still increase due to rising Part B premiums and other cost components.
- Many MA plans will offer $0 monthly premiums in many areas, but that doesn’t guarantee that out-of-pocket cost or network flexibility will be ideal.
How to compare Medicare Advantage plans—step by step
When you’re ready to compare Medicare Advantage plans, follow this checklist:
- List out your priorities:
- Which doctors or hospitals do you use now? Are they in-network?
- Which prescription drugs do you take, and how often?
- What extra services matter to you (dental, vision, hearing, fitness)?
- Use the tools to compare:
- Visit the official plan-finder tool on Medicare.gov to see plan details, cost breakdowns, and networks.
- Check each plan’s Star Rating. Higher-star plans typically perform better on access, service and outcomes.
- Review the plan documents for the 2026 plan year to see any changes in coverage or cost from your current plan.
- Compare costs beyond the monthly premium:
- Check whether the plan’s monthly premium is $0 or higher—and know what is included.
- Examine the out-of-pocket maximum: MA plans must cap this, whereas Original Medicare does not.
- Evaluate whether your medications are covered in the plan’s formulary and what your copays or coinsurance will be.
- Verify network restrictions: HMO plans may require you to use in-network providers and referrals.
- Compare benefit extras:
- Many MA plans offer supplemental benefits. Confirm they’re available in your area and still included in the plan.
- Understand that supplemental benefits can change year-to-year, so just because you have a service this year doesn’t guarantee it will be there next year.
- Check timing and enrollment rules:
- The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 to December 7 each year for coverage starting January 1 of the next year.
- If you’re satisfied with your current plan, you don’t have to switch. But you should still review your plan annually because changes happen.
Comparison table: key aspects at a glance
| Feature | What to Compare | What to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $ 0, low, or higher | “Does this include the Part B premium offset?” |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | How much worst case you might pay annually | “What’s the maximum I could pay if I use a lot of care?” |
| Provider network | HMO vs PPO vs others | “Are my doctors/hospitals included in this plan?” |
| Drug coverage (Part D) | Covered drugs, tiers, and copays | “Are all my medications covered? What will I pay?” |
| Extra benefits | Vision, dental, hearing, transportation, etc. | “What extras does this plan include this year?” |
| Plan quality / Star rating | 1-5 stars by CMS | “What is this plan’s latest Star Rating?” |
Why comparing matters—and the risks of not comparing properly
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan without comparing could lead to:
- Finding your preferred provider or hospital is “out-of-network,” meaning higher costs or no coverage.
- Paying more out of pocket than you expected—even if the monthly premium was low.
- Losing key extra benefits you rely on (e.g., dental, hearing) if your plan changes.
- Being stuck in a lower-quality plan with fewer resources or less service.
- Missing better value plans simply because you didn’t check the landscape.
Final thoughts
The landscape around Medicare Advantage plans is shifting for 2026—payments, benefits and tools for comparison are all changing. That means you have a real opportunity to compare Medicare Advantage plans now, understand your options and select the plan that best meets your health, budget and provider preferences. Invest the time this season so you can move into the next year with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information in this article reflects current facts as of the date of writing and is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute individualized financial, tax or insurance advice. Please consult a licensed insurance advisor or official Medicare resources for guidance specific to your situation.
We’d love to hear from you — what factors matter most when you compare Medicare Advantage plans? Leave a comment below and keep watching for updates!