If you’re preparing to compare Medicare Advantage plans 2026, now is the time to understand the critical changes coming your way. The open enrollment period for 2026 begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, and several major updates will impact your plan options, benefits and costs.
Key 2026 Changes at a Glance
Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Average premiums for standalone Part D plans are projected to drop from $38.31 in 2025 to $34.50 in 2026. For Medicare Advantage (MA) plans with drug coverage, premium averages fall from $13.32 to $11.50.
- The out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs under Part D will increase from $2,000 to $2,100 in 2026.
- Meanwhile, premiums for Part B will rise (from $185 to $206.50) and the deductible increases to $288—factors that indirectly affect anyone on an MA plan because you still pay Part B.
These shifts mean that while MA premiums may be lower, your total cost of coverage may not drop as much as you expect.
Plan Offerings and Enrollment Trends
- The number of MA plans is expected to dip slightly from approximately 5,633 in 2025 to about 5,600 in 2026.
- Enrollment is tentatively projected to fall to 34 million in 2026 from 34.9 million in 2025. That would mark the first enrollment decline in over a decade.
- On average, beneficiaries will have about 32 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage to choose from in 2026.
- More than 99 % of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one MA plan, and about 97 % will have 10 or more choices available.
Benefits and Supplemental Services
- Many carriers are scaling back supplemental benefits. Some plans are reducing perks such as additional nutrition services, non-emergency transportation or enhanced dental/vision coverage.
- At the same time, some insurers are offering $0-premium plans with $0 copays for primary care, lab work and Tier 1 prescriptions in certain markets.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs) continue to grow — for example, Dual-Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs) are projected to increase by about 15 % in 2026.
Tools to Help You Compare
When you compare Medicare Advantage plans 2026, the following tools and features will assist in your decision:
- The official plan-finder on Medicare.gov will be updated with 2026 plan information by October 1.
- New filtering options will let you check whether your current provider is in-network for a given plan and what supplemental benefits are included.
- An AI-powered prescription cost estimator will roll out so you can compare drug costs at local pharmacies under different plan options.
- The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) you receive from your current plan will highlight changes for 2026. If your provider is exiting your region or a plan is discontinued, you’ll need to act.
How to Approach Comparing Plans in 2026
1. Review Your Current Situation
- Start by examining your current MA plan: premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, provider network, and drug coverage.
- Use your ANOC to spot changes for 2026—especially if your insurer has announced reductions in the region or benefits.
2. Identify Your Must-Haves
Make a list of what matters most to you:
- Do you require a wide network of specialists, or are you comfortable with an HMO network?
- Are your prescriptions mostly Tier 1 generics or high-cost brand drugs?
- Do you rely on extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing)?
When you compare Medicare Advantage plans 2026, match your list to plan features.
3. Compare Costs Beyond the Premium
Lower premium doesn’t always mean lower total cost:
- Check copays, coinsurance, deductible and the drug out-of-pocket cap ($2,100 in 2026).
- Confirm provider and pharmacy network status. If your doctor isn’t in-network, costs may rise.
- Evaluate supplemental benefits: A no-premium plan may sacrifice features you use.
4. Use the Plan Finder & Get Help
- Use Medicare.gov’s comparison tool to filter by your criteria.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help.
- Consider consulting a certified broker who specializes in Medicare Advantage, especially if you’re overwhelmed by options.
5. Act During the Annual Enrollment Period
- The open enrollment window runs from October 15 to December 7.
- If a plan you like is being discontinued or your provider network is shrinking, switch or enroll in a new plan promptly.
- Failing to select a new plan when required could mean defaulting to Original Medicare without supplemental drug coverage.
What’s the Bottom Line?
When you compare Medicare Advantage plans 2026, you’ll find more choice than ever—but also more nuance. Premiums may be lower, but other costs like Part B premiums and out-of-pocket maximums are rising. Some benefits may get scaled back, so your decision must balance network access, prescription drug needs and total cost.
Because the marketplace is shifting, doing your homework early matters. Use the updated plan-finder, check whether your provider is covered, and compare your current benefits against new offerings.
Engage with your options now and leave comments below if you’d like help comparing specific plans or drilling into benefits and costs.
Stay tuned for more updates and happy plan hunting!