Well, we made it through another year, and I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.  With Fall and the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) coming up on October 15th, I thought this was a great time to say hello, check in, and relay some highlights of the 2026 Medicare Plan Year.

Thankfully, there are not nearly as many new things to be concerned about compared to last fall, but I think it’s still good to share the information.  The most significant trend that continues nationwide is that the cost of healthcare continues to rise, rather than leveling off. We have seen that the always-increasing MOOP amounts, along with Medicare Advantage, Part B Premiums, Part B Deductibles, Medicare Supplement Premiums, and Medicare Part D Deductibles.

We’re inviting you to receive a complimentary, full policy review, including a fresh look at your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, especially in light of the changes to Medicare Part D beginning January 1, 2025. 

HERE ARE THE ESTIMATED COST CHANGES FOR THE 2026 MEDICARE PLAN YEAR

  • Medicare Part B Costs are increasing by an estimated 11.6% from $185 to $206.50 each month!  That is the most significant increase since 2022.
  • The Part D Deductible maximums are increasing from $595 – $615.
  • It looks like there will be even fewer Part D plans to choose from in 2026.
  • All Medicare Part D plans will have a Maximum Out-Of-Pocket threshold of just $2,100, which means that no Medicare beneficiary will pay more than $2,100 for all of their Prescription Drugs in 2026. 
  • The Annual Medicare Part B Deductible is projected to increase 12% to $288.

Medicare Advantage plans are receiving an increase from the Government, but not as substantial as they had hoped.  We anticipate that most MOOPs will continue to increase, while the “Extra Benefits” used to entice clients will continue to be trimmed down.  CIGNA will have the best Dental Benefits in 2026, followed by BCBSAZ.

For everyone with a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, companies are still being greedy, given the increases they implemented in 2024 and 2025, respectively.  We could be in for more of the same in 2026, but hopefully no more double-digit increases. I suggest that everyone review their Premiums and compare them to those of other companies.  You can switch plans 365 days of the year if you have a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan. There is nothing better you can do to mitigate premium increases than to get your premiums as low as possible, as soon as possible.

Social Security Benefits are expected to increase by 2.7% in 2026.

Did you know that Medicare Part A will cost approximately $518 in 2026 for individuals who have not worked for at least 40 quarters? And that there are currently 67.3 million Medicare beneficiaries and 74.3 million people who receive Social Security benefits in the US?

2026 will be the first time we see how well Congress did with negotiating the cost of the ten most prescribed brand-name medications. It appears that they’ve made significant progress, with many prices reduced by 38% to 79%. Eliquis is now down to $221, and overall, CMS estimates that Americans will pay $ 3.7 billion less for these 10 drugs in 2026.

PROJECTED IRMAA BRACKETS FOR 2026

Braden MEdicare Insurance Projected 2026 IRMAA Brackets