Almost 40 Medicare Advantage Plans Available in 2026
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Almost 40 Medicare Advantage Plans Available in 2026
Costs might be rising across the United States, but average premiums have declined this year in both the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs. That’s good news for the 99.4% of Medicare beneficiaries who have access to an MA plan as an alternative to the traditional offering.
How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost in 2026?
The average premium in 2026 for Medicare Advantage plans with integrated Part D coverage (MA-PD) is $11.50 per month, down from $13.32 monthly in 2025. The MA maximum out-of-pocket limit (for in-network services covered under Medicare Parts A and B) continues to fluctuate, depending on the plan.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in 2026?
There are still multiple options available to Medicare beneficiaries. The average enrollee has the option of 32 MA-PD plans in 2026. Including those with and without prescription drug coverage, the average beneficiary has 39 options, a slight decrease from 2025.
As Jesse Slome, founder of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI), notes, “The number of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans being offered continues to be plentiful. Choice is good, but it can also be confusing and cumbersome for many seniors. It can take a little work to make sure they get the best plan coverage available.”
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends and Future Projections
MA enrollment continues to increase, with approximately 50% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in such a plan. Total enrollment reached close to 35 million in 2025 and is projected to remain stable this year. The Congressional Budget Office projects the share of all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA will rise to 64% by 2034.
Key Medicare Enrollment Periods You Need to Know
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which is limited to people currently enrolled in MA, runs from January 1 through March 31 and allows switching to a different MA plan or Original Medicare, with or without Part D coverage. However, MA enrollees who get their drug coverage through a standalone Part D plan can only switch to Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include drug coverage. Any plan changes take effect on the first day of the following month.
Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
“CMS also provides all MA plan beneficiaries with the opportunity to compare and switch plans during the Fall, with the Annual Enrollment Period for 2027 running from October 15 to December 7, 2026,” Slome advises.
“During this period, people in traditional Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or switch between Part D plans. Traditional Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A and B can also use this window of time to switch from traditional Medicare to an MA plan with or without Part D coverage.”
Why It’s Important to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans Each Year
Changes in Costs, Benefits, and Coverage
“Insurance companies may alter the benefits offered for 2027,” Slome explains. “This could include changes in premiums, deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums or additional benefits. By comparing plans annually, beneficiaries can ensure they select a plan that meets their current health needs and financial situation.”
Provider Networks and Doctor Access
MA plans often have specific networks of doctors and hospitals. If enrollees’ preferred providers, including specialists, are no longer in-network or new ones are added to other plans, examining other options is recommended.
Understanding Medicare Star Ratings
CMS provides star ratings for MA plans based on quality of care and customer satisfaction.
“It’s important to annually check out the most recent rating for your particular MA plan,” Slome recommends. “At the same time, it pays to ask for ratings of other plans available in your area.”
Extra Benefits Like Dental, Vision, and Fitness
Most Medicare Advantage plans now offer extra benefits, including dental, vision, hearing and even gym memberships, that are Original Medicare doesn’t cover. But, the levels of coverage can vary widely, which can be an important factor for seniors who need extra services.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Medicare Advantage Plan from AAMSI
“There just are not enough professionals available to help everyone, so we strongly recommend finding and connecting with a local Medicare Advantage expert early to ensure you book some calendar time,” Slome concludes.
The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance is an independent advocacy organization. AAMSI supports insurance professionals who market Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Medicare drug plan coverage. AAMSI makes available the leading online directory listing local Medicare agents. Go to https://staging.medicaresupp.org for more information.
Understand The Rules
You can switch MA plans or drop MA for Original Medicare, but you can’t use this period to join MA for the first time.
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Monthly Premiums
Factor in deductibles, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum, not just the monthly premium.
Check Your Doctors and Providers Are In-Network
Confirm that your physicians, specialists and hospitals are covered. This is especially important for HMO plans, which typically don’t cover out-of-network care.
Review Medicare Star Ratings
Look for plans rated 4 stars or higher for better quality and service.
Understand Plan Types: HMO vs PPO vs SNP
HMOs are cheaper but more restrictive, and PPOs offer more flexibility at higher cost. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are worth exploring if you have chronic conditions or are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Review the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Look for it in your mail during September to understand upcoming plan changes.
