Stay in the Know: Changes Coming to Medicare in 2026
Whether you've been using Medicare or you've just recently enrolled for the first time, it's important to be aware of some of the major changes coming to Medicare plans this year- most of the below went into effect January 1st.
- Increase in costs: According to medicare.gov, many costs in Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are going up. Some increases in Part A include the premium (cost increase if you don't qualify for premium-free), Part A deductible, inpatient stay (cost increase after the first 60 days), and skilled nursing facility stay (cost increase after the first 20 days). Some increases in Part B include the premium and deductible.
- Lower prices for certain drugs: According to AARP, there are 10 popular medications in this round of price reductions, including medications for blood clot prevention, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and more.
- Easier participation in prescription payment plans: If you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (which allows you to spread out-of-pocket drug costs across the calendar year instead of paying everything at once at the pharmacy if you have a Part D plan), it will now be easier to keep the payment plan going without having to worry about it. According to The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), if you enrolled for 2026, you'll automatically stay enrolled for 2027 unless you opt out. Additionally, if you were enrolled in 2025, you will be reenrolled automatically unless you opt out or change to a new Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.
For more information regarding these changes, make sure to reach out to your Medicare provider(s) directly or visit
