On Friday, September 26, CMS introduced that common premiums, advantages, and plan selections for the Medicare Benefit (MA) and Medicare Half D prescription drug applications are anticipated to stay secure in 2026. Common premiums are projected to say no in each the MA and Half D applications from 2025 to 2026, in response to the press launch.
CMS estimated that the common month-to-month premium for all MA plans, together with plans with prescription drug protection and MA Particular Wants Plans (SNPs), will lower from $16.40 in 2025 to $14.00 in 2026. In response to plans’ projections, enrollment in MA is anticipated to be 34 million in 2026, down from 34.9 million in 2025, with MA enrollment making up roughly 48 p.c of all Medicare beneficiaries, in comparison with 50 p.c in 2025.
The press launch additional said that CMS has taken steps to carry standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors accountable for substantial year-over-year premium will increase and has used its authority to barter bid phrases and situations efficiently.
Moreover, CMS introduced that the common whole premium for stand-alone Half D plans is anticipated to lower from $38.31 in 2025 to $34.50 in 2026. After making use of MA rebates—which replicate what folks in MA plans with prescription drug protection can pay—the common whole premium for MA plans with prescription drug protection is projected to fall from $13.32 in 2025 to $11.50 in 2026.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2025, and ends December 7, 2025. “We wish each beneficiary to reap the benefits of Open Enrollment—evaluate your choices and select the plan that provides you the fitting care at the perfect value,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz stated in a press release.
