Your Medicare 2026 Roadmap
Understand what's changing — and how to make the most of your coverage next year.
Planning for next year? See what's changing for Medicare in 2027.
2026 Medicare Timeline
Key dates and milestones for the upcoming year
Sept 2025
CMS Releases Data
Preliminary 2026 cost data announced
Oct 2025
Marketing Period
Plan preview period begins
Oct 15–Dec 7
Annual Enrollment
Open enrollment window
Jan 1 2026
New Year Starts
New costs take effect
Spring 2026
Drug Prices
Negotiated prices begin
Sept 2025
CMS Releases Data
Preliminary 2026 cost data announced
Oct 2025
Marketing Period
Plan preview period begins
Oct 15–Dec 7
Annual Enrollment
Open enrollment window
Jan 1 2026
New Year Starts
New costs take effect
Spring 2026
Drug Prices
Negotiated prices begin
Why 2026 Matters
2026 brings significant Medicare changes that could affect your coverage and costs. Key updates include revised Part B premiums, the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap (up from $2,000 in 2025), updated IRMAA income brackets with inflation adjustments, and the first implementation of negotiated drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Understanding these changes now helps you make informed decisions during the Annual Enrollment Period and avoid surprises when your new coverage begins.
Stay Informed
Get the latest Medicare updates, policy changes, and cost announcements as they happen.
Follow Our Daily Medicare NewsfeedMajor 2026 Changes
Explore what's new and how it affects you
Part A & B Costs 2026
Projected increases to premiums and deductibles.
Learn MorePart D & Advantage Plans 2026
Fewer stand-alone drug plans, $2,100 out-of-pocket cap (up from $2,000).
Learn MoreIRMAA Brackets 2026
Updated income thresholds and surcharge planning.
Learn MoreDrug Price Negotiations
First negotiated drugs take effect under the IRA.
Learn MoreEnrollment & Policy Updates
New SEP rules, telehealth coverage, and simplified policies.
Learn MoreTools & Resources
Use our calculators and estimators to plan ahead.
Learn MoreLooking Ahead to 2027
Some 2027 figures are final and some aren't. Confirmed: the Part D deductible rises to $700 and the out-of-pocket cap to $2,400. Not yet announced: Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles, and the 2027 IRMAA brackets — CMS usually publishes those in November. The Trustees Report projects a Part B premium of about $209.50, but that's an estimate.
Plan Confidently with Our 2026 Medicare Tools
Free calculators and estimators to help you prepare
How to Review Your Coverage for 2026
Follow these steps to make the best coverage decision
Review Annual Notice of Change
Carefully read the ANOC letter you receive in September to understand what's changing in your current plan.
Use Cost Tools
Calculate your expected 2026 costs using our estimators to compare different coverage options.
Check Formulary Updates
Verify your prescriptions are still covered and review any tier changes that could affect costs.
Compare Advantage vs Part D
Evaluate whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Part D better suits your needs.
Start Early to Avoid Rushed Decisions
Begin your review in October to allow time for research, questions, and careful comparison.
Stay Ahead of Every Medicare Update
Get new cost announcements and rule changes as they're released. No spam, just facts.