Overview
- Open enrollment runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7, with any changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
- Officials project the Part B premium to reach about $206.50 in 2026, while the Part D out-of-pocket cap will be $2,100 as deductibles and premiums trend higher.
- Insurers are scaling back Medicare Advantage offerings and benefits, with notable network breaks such as UnitedHealthcare’s contract loss with Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- CMS says mission-critical updates continue, yet callers may face delays at 1-800-MEDICARE and Plan Finder, and experts note you can wait to decide or use the Jan. 1–Mar. 31 Advantage switch window.
- Beneficiaries are urged to scrutinize ANOC letters, confirm doctors and drug formularies—since caps apply only to covered medications—and note reports that standalone Part D plan counts could fall significantly for 2026.