Medicare Advantage 2026: Early Highlights on Premiums and Benefits

KFF recently released a first look at what Medicare Advantage (MA) premiums and benefits may look like in 2026, offering helpful insights into how plan offerings are evolving. While full details are available in their comprehensive report, we’ve highlighted a few early takeaways agents and beneficiaries should be aware of.

👉 Full Article: https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/

Zero-Premium Plans Remain Widely Available

KFF reports that roughly two-thirds of MA-PD plans in 2026 will continue to offer no additional premium beyond the standard Part B premium. Nearly all beneficiaries will still have access to at least one zero-premium plan in their area, reinforcing the ongoing affordability of Medicare Advantage options.

Average Premiums Stay Low

Across all MA enrollees, the average estimated monthly premium remains around $14, keeping Medicare Advantage a cost-effective choice for many seniors.

Shifts in Supplemental Benefits

While core extras like vision, dental, and hearing remain nearly universal, some supplemental benefits appear to be offered less frequently than in 2025. These include:

• Over-the-counter allowances

• Meal benefits

• Remote-access technology

• Transportation

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) show a more mixed pattern, with some benefits contracting, while others—such as in-home support and caregiver assistance—become more common.

Part B Premium Reductions Continue

About one-third of MA plans plan to offer a Part B premium reduction again in 2026. Among those plans, more than a third will apply a reduction greater than $100 per month, although the exact amount varies widely by market.

These early indicators illustrate both continued stability in Medicare Advantage premiums and ongoing shifts in supplemental benefits that may influence plan selection for 2026.

For a deeper breakdown of plan offerings, benefits, and methodology, we encourage you to read the full report from KFF: https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/

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