Overview
- Enrollment for 2026 runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7, when beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D drug plans.
- CMS projects average Medicare Advantage premiums down about 14.6% and standalone Part D down roughly 9.9%, with Part B premiums up about 11.6% and the Part D out‑of‑pocket cap rising to $2,100.
- Major insurers are retrenching: UnitedHealthcare is ending certain PPOs affecting about 600,000 members, Humana expects to shed roughly 550,000 members, and Aetna is closing about 90 plans, with large local exits such as UCare in Minnesota.
- Provider networks are less stable as contract disputes escalate, including Salem Health leaving Regence’s network and a near split between OHSU and UnitedHealthcare, increasing the risk of patients losing in‑network access.
- CMS has added provider directory data to Medicare Plan Finder and created a temporary 2026 special enrollment period for those misled by directory errors, while a federal shutdown has furloughed CMS staff and could slow assistance.