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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Respected Medicare Advantage insurance providers have previously served their members by improving the various services that they offer. Past benefits have often included:
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.
Providers of Medicare Advantage plans have previously adopted various benefits for members, including:
With each of these various benefits, the goal is to help seniors make the most of their healthcare experience while improving accessibility.
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:
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.
As noted previously, UnitedHealthcare has expanded its coverage to protect more Medicare-eligible seniors. This company’s plans now offer:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
There are two main enrollment periods to be aware of when applying for a Medicare Advantage plan:
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 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.
The monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees in 2026 has at this time not been released. Continue to check back for more details.
Changes for 2026 may include a difference in the average monthly premium, alterations in coverage, and changes in the Part D prescription drug coverage.
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.
Generally ESRD patients can enroll in a plan, but there may be some restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
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