Overview

• The Oct. 15–Dec. 7 enrollment window is underway and CMS says mission‑critical updates will continue, though callers to 1‑800‑MEDICARE and users of Plan Finder may encounter delays.
• Official estimates point to higher 2026 costs, including a Medicare Part B premium of about $206.50 and a higher Part D out‑of‑pocket cap of $2,100, with some plans allowed larger Part D premium hikes and rising deductibles.
• Major carriers are retrenching and narrowing provider networks, highlighted by UnitedHealthcare’s contract termination with Johns Hopkins that leaves most Hopkins providers out of network for UHC Medicare Advantage members.
• Experts urge beneficiaries to read Annual Notices of Change, verify formularies and tiers for all medications, and confirm doctor and hospital participation because plan networks and benefits are shifting.
• Advisers note you can make changes up to Dec. 7 for Jan. 1 effect and use the Jan. 1–Mar. 31 Medicare Advantage switch window, with some recommending waiting to finalize choices until information access improves.