Medicare Advantage Plans 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering Medicare Advantage plans 2026 for your retirement health coverage? Understanding what these popular plans offer in 2026 will help you make the best decision for your healthcare needs.

What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage plans 2026 (also called MA or Part C) are all-in-one alternatives to Original Medicare. These private insurance plans include everything Original Medicare covers and usually add extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Most people enjoy the convenience of bundled benefits and capped out-of-pocket costs.

Enrollment and Eligibility in 2026

You’re eligible for Medicare Advantage plans 2026 if you have Medicare Parts A and B, and live in the plan’s service area. You can enroll during:

Initial Enrollment Period (when you first qualify)

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, Oct 15–Dec 7)

Special Enrollment Periods (for moves, loss of coverage, etc.)

If you’re unsure, take our Medicare Quiz or use our Coverage Checkup tool!

Key Changes to Medicare Advantage in 2026

This year, Medicare Advantage plans 2026 introduce new supplemental benefits, lower out-of-pocket maximums, and more plan options in most states. Plans continue to evolve to include over-the-counter allowances, transportation, and even meal benefits. Always compare plans annually!

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans 2026

Use our Compare Options page to view plans side by side, or call us at (972) 632-0365 for personal help. Remember, we’ll read the SOA to you and can provide assistance right away over the phone—fast, simple, and compliant! Learn more about SOA here.

Common Questions About Medicare Advantage Plans

What’s covered compared to Original Medicare?

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B) pays for hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, some home health, doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical equipment.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they typically add extra benefits. Most plans include routine vision and dental, hearing exams and aids, fitness or wellness programs, and a nurse advice line.

• Advantage plans work like private health insurance: you usually choose doctors in the plan’s network and may need referrals or prior approvals for certain services.

Are prescriptions included?

• Usually, yes. Most Medicare Advantage plans are MA-PD plans, which bundle Part D prescription drug coverage right into the same card and premium.

• A few plans don’t include drug coverage (for example, some special-needs or medical-only plans). In that case, you’d need to buy a separate stand-alone Part D plan if you want prescription coverage.

What are Star Ratings and why do they matter?

• Star Ratings are Medicare’s quality score for each plan, updated every year on a 1- to 5-star scale.

• They measure things like preventive-care results, member satisfaction, handling of appeals, and customer service.

• Higher stars (4 or 5) usually mean better care coordination and service, and Medicare may give those plans extra funding.

• Choosing a plan with more stars can lead to better health outcomes and fewer hassles—and it can even let you switch mid-year if a 5-star plan is available in your area.

Get up-to-date, official information at Medicare.gov as well.
Fill out our SOA form and email it to us and we can start assisting you right away.