Summary
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan premiums and benefits will remain stable in 2026, with average premiums expected to decrease. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period for 2026 is from October 15 to December 7, 2025, allowing beneficiaries to change their plans.
Key Facts
- CMS announced projected stability in Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription plan premiums and benefits for 2026.
- Average MA premiums are expected to decrease from $16.40 in 2025 to $14 in 2026.
- Part D standalone plan premiums are projected to drop from $38.31 to $34.50 on average.
- Over 99% of beneficiaries will have access to at least one MA plan, and 97% will have access to 10 or more options.
- The number of available MA plans will decrease slightly from 5,633 in 2025 to about 5,600 in 2026.
- The out-of-pocket maximum for Part D is set to increase to $2,100 in 2026.
- Medicare Open Enrollment period for the 2026 plan year is from October 15 to December 7, 2025.
- The Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool helps beneficiaries compare plans and choose the best options.
