Be Prepared for Changes This 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
It is almost time for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, those with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for next year.
Even if you are satisfied with your current plan, now is a good time to review your coverage. Every year brings new changes to Medicare. Assessing your options annually can allow you to be confident that your health insurance plan will continue to meet your needs.
At UROne Benefits®, we help those at or approaching Medicare eligibility age understand their health insurance options. Our team stays up to date on the latest changes to the federal health insurance program so we can help people make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones.
In this article, we will highlight some of the biggest changes coming to Medicare in 2026.
Rising premium costs
Monthly premiums for Medicare Part B (which covers outpatient medical services like doctor’s visits) are projected to rise from $185 in 2025 to $206.50 in 2026, according to the 2025 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report. Meanwhile, the standard Part D deductible (which covers prescription drugs) is expected to increase to $615 in 2026, up from $590 in 2025.
Lower drug prices
The first round of negotiated drug prices under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program is set to take effect in 2026. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 gave the Medicare program the ability to negotiate the prices of high-cost drugs directly with manufacturers. Reduced pricing has been established for 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D, including the following:
- Stelara
- Enbrel
- Januvia
- Eliquis
- Imbruvica
- Farxiga
- Xarelto
- Entresto
- Jardiance
- Fiasp/NovoLog
These discounts are anywhere from 79% to 38% off the 2023 list price, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In January 2025, CMS announced the 15 drugs included in its second round of negotiations, which was scheduled to begin this year. Any prices established in that round would go into effect in 2027.
Prescription payment plan changes
Beginning in 2026, participants in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) should have an easier time staying with or leaving the program.
MPPP, introduced in 2025, allows enrollees to split their out-of-pocket medication costs over the calendar year. Instead of paying for prescriptions at the pharmacy counter, enrollees receive a monthly bill for any costs they owe. This option is available to anyone with a Medicare drug plan or Medicare health plan with drug coverage.
Anyone who signed up for MPPP last year will be automatically enrolled in 2026 unless they request to leave. Additionally, if a participant decides to exit the program, their provider must process their opt-out request within three calendar days. These changes are designed to make the enrollment process less cumbersome for enrollees.
Combating costs with ancillary options
With costs rising within the Medicare system, adding supplemental coverage can be an effective way to help control out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and you may still face significant deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
A hospital indemnity plan provides extra financial protection, helping to fill in the gaps and ease the burden of unexpected medical bills.
A cancer insurance policy assists with medical expenses following a cancer diagnosis.
Final expense insurance can reduce the financial stress associated with end-of-life costs.
As you evaluate your Medicare options during the Annual Enrollment Period, consider these additions to your coverage for greater peace of mind and more predictable healthcare costs in the year ahead.
Working with UROne Benefits®
Our Medicare specialists can answer your questions and assist with and process applications.
Our services come at no cost to you. Our goal is to help people like you gain access to affordable, high-quality health insurance. Understanding Medicare can be challenging. Let us make it easy by helping you find the right coverage for your needs this Annual Enrollment Period.
Want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at a time convenient for you to go over your options.
You can also call us at 800-722-7331 or fill out this form to have our team contact you.