Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage before the 2026 Open Enrollment Period begins on October 15. Several Medicare costs and coverage rules changed in 2026, including higher Part B premiums and deductibles, changes to prescription drug costs, and updates to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
The standard Medicare Part B premium increased from $185.00 in 2025 to $202.90 per month in 2026.
The annual Part B deductible also increased:
People with higher incomes may pay more because of income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA).
Medicare Part D underwent significant changes as part of the prescription drug benefit redesign. For 2026, no Medicare Part D plan may have a deductible higher than $615.
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan also remains an option that can allow eligible beneficiaries to spread certain prescription drug out-of-pocket costs across monthly payments rather than paying the full amount at the pharmacy.
Because premiums, formularies, pharmacies, and drug costs can vary by plan, beneficiaries should review their specific coverage rather than assuming their 2025 plan will remain the best option.
Medicare Advantage plans may change their:
CMS finalized several policy changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D programs for 2026, including updates involving prescription drug coverage and other program requirements.
A plan that worked well in 2025 may therefore have different costs or benefits in 2026.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes made during this period generally take effect on January 1 of the following year.
During Open Enrollment, beneficiaries can:
Automatic renewal can be convenient, but it doesn't necessarily mean your current plan remains the most suitable choice.
Before December 7, review:
Even relatively small changes can make another available plan more appropriate for your needs.
When reviewing Part D or Medicare Advantage drug coverage, check your complete medication list.
Pay particular attention to:
Medicare.gov allows beneficiaries to compare available plans and estimate costs based on the medications they take.
October 15 isn't the deadline—it is the beginning of Open Enrollment. The final deadline is December 7 for changes made during the annual enrollment period.
Starting early gives you more time to compare plans, verify doctors and medications, and investigate unexpected changes in premiums or benefits.
The most important Medicare step for seniors in late 2026 is to review coverage before and during the October 15–December 7 Open Enrollment Period. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month, the Part B deductible is $283, and Part D rules and plan costs have also changed.