Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
As we approach the 2026 year, we’ll see just how much Medicare Advantage plans will be changing, but it’s expected that there will be a variety of options as there has been in previous years.
Any coverage details for Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 won’t be released until late 2025, but there will likely be changes that people on Medicare will certainly need to know about.
Key Takeaways
- Learn about changes to Medicare Advantage plans in the 2026 years
- Unravel which costs may be affected in 2026
- Learn about the various enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans, including the Annual Enrollment Period, the Initial Enrollment Period, and Special Enrollment Periods
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OVERVIEW OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FOR 2026
For the year 2026, there has been a new addition that beneficiaries might be able to receive. This comes in the form of MAPD, or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug, additions to plans.
The implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act has made it so that the annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D recipients has changed for the 2026 year. This change comes in the form of a new maximum out-of-pocket cost per year, capping your spending and helping you save.
Elimination of the Coverage Gap
In 2026, there has been an additional change concerning the Medicare Part D coverage gap phase.
The Medicare Part D coverage gap phase previously occurred when a certain amount was spent by beneficiaries on specific covered prescriptions. Before, once that cap was reached seniors would enter into the coverage gap, incurring higher costs for prescriptions.
Expanded Coverage Areas for 2026
As of late, Medicare Advantage plans have been expanded, offering seniors a wider availability of plans in various states and counties, as well as covering seniors who were eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
To show an example of this, the highly esteemed company of Aetna has recently extended its coverage to include 46 states and Washington, DC., giving seniors 255 county options. This new expansion now covers around 2.2 million more beneficiaries than past years, extending its plans to over 2,269 counties.
Another esteemed company, UnitedHealthcare, has also extended their coverage. Now, this company is able to cover 110 more counties than it has previously been able to, covering 96% of the total coverage area.
Finally, Wellcare, another respected company, extended its coverage to encompass 48 million Medicare-eligible adults nationwide, offering potential additional benefits for beneficiaries.
These various examples of coverage from respected providers shows the new additions for coverage in the 2026 year, offering seniors more options to ensure they find a plan that best suits them.
New Benefits
The new benefits for the 2026 year have not been announced yet, but there is a possibility of alterations being made to plans.
For example, 2026 Medicare Advantage plans could potentially offer extra benefits such as lower copays for Part D prescriptions as well as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, extending beyond the reach of Original Medicare.
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Respected Medicare Advantage insurance providers have previously served their members by improving the various services that they offer. Past benefits have often included:
- Dental: More expansive dental coverage for Medicare Advantage plans, helping oral health needs.
- Vision: Extended services and benefits from certain carriers to help seniors with their visual health
- Hearing: Plans began to offer discounts on hearing, including hearing aids and exams.
When the 2026 plan details are released, make sure to check back onto this website and enter your zip code in the box below to easily compare plan benefits and costs.
Member Experience
Providers of Medicare Advantage plans have previously adopted various benefits for members, including:
- Digital Health Education: Resources for members to improve digital health literacy, including telehealth visits.
- Online Hubs: Used to provide Medicare Advantage plan information while showcasing their potential benefits.
- Enhanced Plan Comparison: A broader range of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from provided by various respected companies, helping Medicare beneficiaries to compare and select plans.
- Virtual Visits: Healthcare services from the comfort of senior’s homes.
- Reduced Cost-Sharing: Making plans more affordable for Medicare members by reducing the cost-sharing price.
- Additional Supplemental Benefits: Additional benefits may now be available to seniors, potentially including dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
With each of these various benefits, the goal is to help seniors make the most of their healthcare experience while improving accessibility.
BEST MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS FOR 2026
The best plan for seniors on Medicare Advantage depends on the unique needs of the members enrolled in the plans. Yet even though there is not one best plan, there are respected providers.
Those companies include:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Humana
- Anthem
- Wellcare
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
As mentioned above, these various providers have historically increased their coverage areas to meet the needs of senior eligible for Medicare.
Using the Plan Finder tool on this website by typing in your zip code when the 2026 plans are announced, you can compare various options to find the perfect plan tailored to your unique healthcare needs.
Until the 2026 plans plans are announced, let’s review an analysis of various company’s offerings, which specifics into coverage areas, benefits, and services.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
As noted previously, UnitedHealthcare has expanded its coverage to protect more Medicare-eligible seniors. This company’s plans now offer:
- The ability to cover 96% of Medicare consumers.
- Benefits that are potentially more enhanced for comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Humana Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
Humana Medicare Advantage Plans provide various plan options to help seniors find the best solution for them. These plans include standards like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOS) as well as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).
Humana’s plans:
- Are expanded to be available across 49 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
- Have D-SNPs (or dual eligible special needs plans) to help seniors find affordable options for them.
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for Medicare Parts A and B and may include additional benefits to provide comprehensive healthcare for seniors that goes above and beyond Original Medicare. These benefits may include dental, vision, and hearing care, as well as prescription drug coverage.
- Plan coverage extension to over 46 states and the Washington, DC. Area.
- 255 new counties, making the total county coverage 2,269 counties.
- The potential of having additional benefits.
- An Aetna Medicare payment card for in-network copayments.
Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans integrate Original Medicare (or Medicare Parts A and B), but go beyond the scope of Original Medicare by offering the potential for additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Members of Wellcare’s plans may additionally have access to telehealth services and preventive health measure, making their plans a proactive choice for those looking to take control of their health.
- Affordability and comprehensive coverage priorities.
- Savings with low monthly premiums.
- Potential additional benefits for qualifying members.
Evaluating various provider’s offerings can aid you in choosing the best plan for your needs as providers extend their plans to include more potential benefits and coverage options.
NAVIGATING THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MARKET IN 2026
Understanding how premiums, cost-sharing, star ratings, and enrollment periods work will help you maximize the potential benefits you can get in a 2026 Medicare Advantage plan, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare coverage.
Let’s understand these various aspects on a deeper level:
Understanding Premiums and Cost-Sharing: Monthly premiums vary depending on seniors’ needs.
The insurer and the coverage that seniors are receiving are some factors that can affect the cost of premiums.
Here are the various elements for cost-sharing in 2026:
- Premiums: The monthly payment you make for your Medicare Advantage plan.
- Deductibles: The out-of-pocket costs for your healthcare services before the plan starts to pay.
- Copayments: Fixed amounts you pay for certain medical services or prescription drugs.
- Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost for a healthcare service that you are responsible for.
Cost-sharing structures are determined by the specific Medicare Advantage plan one has chosen. Reviewing the details of various plans can help seniors make an informed decision that allows beneficiaries to better comprehend cost-sharing requirements.
Various factors influence premium costs, thus, not all enrollees will see increases in their costs for 2026. Some factors that may increase premium costs include healthcare spending and changes in the Part B premium and deductible.
Recognizing this, seniors are better able to anticipate potential changes in premium expenses.
Considering factors such as star ratings, enrollment periods, potential benefits eligibility, and the utilization of extra benefits will help you effectively utilize your Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.
Star Ratings:
- Compare star ratings to find the best providers.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which evaluates and rates various plans, considers several factors. This includes the quality of care, customer service, and member experience, to help determine the plan’s overall star rating.
- Ratings are judged on a scale of one to five stars, five stars being the best.
- Comparing the ratings of several Medicare Advantage plans from various providers will aid seniors in choosing a plan that will help them with their healthcare needs.
- Note that star ratings are updated annually, with finalized ratings released in October. Stay updated about these ratings, are come back to this website and enter your zip code to easily compare plans.
Enrollment Periods:
There are two main enrollment periods to be aware of when applying for a Medicare Advantage plan:
- The Initial Enrollment Period spans seven months, including three months before, the month of, and three months after you are eligible for Medicare. This is the window for those who are newly applicable to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans is from October 15th to December 7th annually. During AEP, you can make adjustments to your Medicare Advantage plans, which includes switching to a different plan or enrolling in one.
- Understanding enrollment periods’ eligibility criteria will help seniors find a plan that best suits their needs.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY IN 2026
- Verify the plan’s guidelines to meet their eligibility to ensure you can get into a Medicare Advantage plan and access the potential benefits and coverage.
- Resources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including their official website, fact sheets, or using the Medicare and You publication can help you confirm your eligibility in a plan.
- Insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield additionally offer resources and various plan options for Medicare Advantage in 2026.
Utilizing Extra Benefits:
- Additional benefits for the 2026 year may include dental, vision, and hearing coverage as well as prescription drug coverage. Using this supplementary coverage can help you maximize your extra offerings.
- This can help you optimize your healthcare coverage, when you learn about how to efficiently use the information provided to make the most of your healthcare needs.
- Staying informed about changes during the 2026 year will help you to save money and get a plan that covers your healthcare needs.
By following these steps, you can make the most of your plan in 2026 and ensure that you get comprehensive and personalized healthcare services.
UNDERSTANDING COVERAGE LIMITATIONS
- Considering provider networks and service limitations will help you be aware of any restrictions in the 2026 year.
- Understanding that a provider network may or may not be included with your plan can help you save on costs, as a provider networks determines which healthcare providers are included in your Medicare Advantage plan.
- Medicare Advantage premiums may be increased in the 2026 year, however not all enrollees may be affected.
- Learning about premium costs and plan limitations can aid seniors in making informed decisions regarding their healthcare coverage.
Summary
Understanding the shifting market dynamics will help you make an informed decision for your healthcare coverage. This includes maximizing your plan’s potential benefits and comparing providers, which helps seniors get high-quality care.
Want to know how to make the most of your healthcare coverage in 2026? Stay informed, explore your plan options, and engage with your Medicare Advantage plan in 2026.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 when they’re available by entering your zip code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the 2026 Medicare premium?
The monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees in 2026 has at this time not been released. Continue to check back for more details.
What are some changes to Medicare Advantage plans in 2026?
Changes for 2026 may include a difference in the average monthly premium, alterations in coverage, and changes in the Part D prescription drug coverage.
What is the 2026 Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
AEP or the Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2026, runs from October 15th to December 7th annually, where Medicare Advantage members can make changes to their plans.
Is enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2026 possible if I have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
Generally ESRD patients can enroll in a plan, but there may be some restrictions.
What’s the difference between the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for 2026?
The IEP is the seven-month period when you are first eligible for Medicare (around your 65th birthday). On the other hand, the OEP allows existing Medicare Advantage members to switch plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1st to March 31st annually.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan in 2026?
Yes. You can switch plans, but it’s best to do so during specific enrollment periods to avoid medical underwriting. A guaranteed issue right can help you obtain a Medigap plan without underwriting.
What is the 2026 Medicare Advantage Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
The Special Enrollment Period is a period that lets you enroll in, switch, or disenroll from an Advantage plan outside of the standard enrollment periods. SEPs are activated by certain life events, which may include moving to a new area, losing employer coverage, or getting married.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS BY STATE
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Wyoming
Kentucky
Los Angeles
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Orlando
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN COMPANIES
Independent Health
Presbyterian
UPMC
USAA
BCBS
Clover
Regence
UCare
Wellcare
MVP Plans
Health Partners
Empire
Secure Horizons
Simply Healthcare
CDPHP
Community Blue
Freedom Blue
Freedom Health
Health Net
Highmark Community Blue
Molina
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