Changing Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026 – What to do

What’s Changing in 2026

• Availability: Over 99% of beneficiaries will still have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan.

• Premiums: Average MA premiums dip to $14.00, while standalone Part D premiums are expected to fall to $34.50.

• Drug coverage: CMS continues its drug cost reforms, with capped deductibles and enhanced affordability.

• Vaccines: All recommended adult vaccines will be covered at no cost to you.

• Decision tools: Plan Finder adds better filtering and a prescription cost estimator to make comparisons more precise.

Review Your Current Plan First

Before making changes, ask:

• Are my doctors and pharmacies still in-network?

• Are my medications still covered under the plan’s formulary?

• How do my 2025 costs (premium + copays + OOP) compare to my budget?

• Has the plan’s CMS Star Rating improved or declined?

This evaluation tells you whether your current plan still fits—or if you should explore alternatives.

Compare 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans

When comparing new options:

• Use our Medicare Plan Finder (updated Oct 1, 2025) right here on this website to see side-by-side coverage.

• Filter by doctors, pharmacies, and drug costs.

• Weigh extras like dental, vision, OTC allowances, or wellness benefits.

Competition among insurers means many plans are enhancing perks or lowering costs—so it pays to shop around.

How to Switch During Open Enrollment

• Compare plans between Oct 15–Dec 7.

• Select your new plan through Medicare.gov or by calling the plan directly.

• Disenroll from your current plan (the new plan usually triggers this automatically, but confirm to avoid overlap).

• Start fresh on Jan 1, 2026, with your new coverage in place.

• Continuity of care: Check if your doctors and specialists participate in the new plan.

• Total annual costs: Don’t just look at premiums—factor in deductibles, copays, and the out-of-pocket maximum.

• Drug coverage: Confirm your prescriptions are included and priced affordably.

• Extras: Only pay for benefits you’ll actually use.

Switching Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 is easier—and more important—than ever. With lower average premiums, better tools for comparison, and new benefits like free adult vaccines, now is the time to review your coverage.

Don’t risk being stuck in a plan that no longer matches your needs. A quick review could save you hundreds in the year ahead.

👉 Call 1-833-641-4938 today for free help reviewing and changing your Medicare Advantage MAPD plan for 2026. Licensed agents will walk you through local options, compare costs and benefits, and make sure you’re enrolled in the coverage that fits your health and budget.