Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, offered by private insurers, bundle Original Medicare benefits (Parts A and B) with extras like dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Popular for their low or zero premiums, these plans cover over half of the 65 million Medicare beneficiaries, providing a one-stop alternative to traditional fee-for-service coverage.
In 2025, enrollment hit a record 54 percent of eligible seniors, up from prior years, driven by enhanced benefits amid rising health costs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved 7,029 plans nationwide, averaging 42 options per beneficiary'including 34 with drug coverage (MA-PD), available in nearly every county.
Open Enrollment (October 15'December 7, 2025) allows switches, with many plans maintaining $0 premiums but tweaking networks and copays. Insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana dominate, emphasizing telehealth and wellness perks. Looking to 2026, availability remains robust but slightly slimmer: beneficiaries will average 32 MA-PD plans, down from 2025, though 100 percent have access to at least one.
CMS data shows 47 plans in key markets, a dip from 51, amid insurer consolidations.
Expect changes: premiums may rise modestly (e.g., Part B standard at $185.50/month), while Part D catastrophic caps increase to $2,000 out-of-pocket.
New rules end a controversial prior authorization pilot and cap out-of-network payments, potentially easing access but sparking network shifts.
Humana and UHC pledge expanded dental/vision coverage in most plans. As costs climb and elections loom, review options at Medicare.gov/plan-compare during Open Enrollment. Changes take effect January 1, 2026.
