The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official compensation rates for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) enrollments for Contract Year (CY) 2026. As an agent or broker, staying informed on the latest rates and regulatory updates is essential—especially during times of industry change and legal uncertainty.
Let’s break down what you need to know going into AEP and beyond.
CMS sets the maximum Fair Market Value (FMV) that MA and PDP plans can pay independent agents. These are the maximum amounts plans are allowed to pay per enrollment.
Medicare Advantage & Section 1876 Cost Plans:
| Region | Initial Year | Renewal Years |
|---|---|---|
| National | $694 | $347 |
| CT, PA, DC | $781 | $391 |
| California | $864 | $432 |
| New Jersey | $864 | $432 |
| Puerto Rico & USVI | $474 | $237 |
| Type | Commission |
|---|---|
| Initial Year | $114 |
| Renewal Years | $57 |
MA Plans: $100
PDP Plans: $25
💡 Reminder: These are maximums—individual carriers may offer less. Agents should always confirm rates with each carrier.
As in previous years, all agents must be trained and tested annually on:
Medicare Parts A, B, C, D
Plan-specific content
To sell in 2026, agents must score at least 85% on their certification exams. CMS will release minimum guidelines for agent training and testing, which MA organizations and third-party vendors can build on.
Stay tuned to the CMS training materials page for updates.
The 50% renewal rule remains – renewals are still capped at half the initial year’s FMV.
No dramatic structural changes – the CY 2025 Final Rule changes are still on hold.
Carrier differences matter – plans may pay different rates within the CMS limits, so compare and choose wisely.
Referral caps still apply – $100 for MA, $25 for PDPs.
Stay compliant – annual training and a passing score remain mandatory.
While the industry continues to evolve, CMS’s 2026 compensation guidance offers welcome clarity in a time of legal limbo. As an agent, the best way to stay ahead is to keep your certifications current, know your carrier rates, and deliver compliant, high-value service to your clients.
Have questions about these updates or how to maximize your commissions this AEP? We're here to help.
📅 Let’s talk—schedule a call with our team today.