Did you know that there are big changes to many 2026 Medicare plans? Now is the time to get a review of your current plan benefits and how it may be changing for January 1, 2026.
You may find that your current plan is going away completely and will have to choose a new plan, or that your current plan changes are significant and you may want to change plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from now until December 7.
Be informed and be ready for it — learn more!
What’s Changing in 2026?
At IntraCare Health Centers, we want you to be confident about your healthcare coverage for the year ahead. Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing, how these updates might affect you, and what we’re doing to help you stay informed and supported.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans may cost more
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, you could see your premiums rise. Current estimates suggest that rates could go up by 12% for some plans.
- Medicare Part B premiums are expected to increase
The Part B monthly premium is expected to rise by more than 11%, going from $185 to about $206.50 per month in 2026.
The increase of $21.50 a month may not sound like much, but it can add up overtime, especially for people living on a fixed income.
- Some Medicare Advantage benefits may be reduced
Many insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) have announced that they may reduce benefits in 2026.
This means benefits could be reduced or you may pay more out-of-pocket for certain benefits.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may no longer be offered
Some major insurers like Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare have announced they will not offer some or all Medicare Advantage PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.
If your current plan is being discontinued, you’ll need to choose a new plan.
- The prescription drug cap will go up by $100, but 10 drugs may cost less
As stated in the official Medicare and You handbook for 2026 the prescription drug cap will go up from $2,000 in 2025 to $2,100 effective January 1, 2026.
Some good news is that 10 widely prescribed drugs for chronic diseases, including diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and arthritis, will be available at lower prices from
January 1, 2026.
How Could These Changes Affect You?
- Coverage: You may need to switch plans if yours is no longer available or no longer covers your needs.
- Benefits: If your plan reduces benefits, you might lose some benefits or pay more out of your own pocket.
- Affordability: Higher premiums could make your monthly costs go up.
- Access to care: If your plan’s network changes, your doctor or preferred clinic might not be covered anymore.
How IntraCare Can Help You Prepare
Now is the time to see how these changes will impact you. At IntraCare, we’re offering a no-cost, no-obligation Medicare Benefits Review with one of our licensed Medicare brokers who we trust with our patients.
A licensed Medicare broker can:
- Explain what’s changing in your specific plan for 2026.
- Compare available plans in your area that may better fit your needs.
- Make sure your IntraCare primary care provider (PCP) remains in-network.
- Confirm that your prescriptions will still be covered and affordable.
What You Can Do Now
We encourage you to take a little time to review your Medicare coverage and see how the 2026 changes might affect you with a no-cost, no-obligation Medicare Benefits Review.
- Call us to schedule a visit
You can call the IntraCare helpline:AZ: (480) 690-8265 | TX: (214) 389-3853, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
When you call, you can schedule a time to come in and:
- Pick up your complimentary Medicare AEP Survival Kit
This easy-to-read packet contains educational information about the upcoming Medicare changes and tips on how to prepare.
- Get a no-cost, no-obligation Medicare Benefits Review
A licensed, independent Medicare broker that we trust will sit down with you, answer your questions, and review your current plan. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation to make a change. It’s simply a smart way to stay informed.
- Bring a friend or loved one
If you know someone else who could benefit from learning about these changes, bring them along.
- Stay informed
Pay attention to the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your health insurer that is sent in September to members enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It outlines all the changes that have been made to your current plan for the upcoming year.
If something isn’t clear, bring the letters to your Medicare Benefits Review appointment and we will go through them with you.
- Make sure you can keep your doctor
If you do decide to switch plans for 2026, please double-check that your new plan allows you to keep IntraCare as your in-network primary care provider. This way, your care stays seamless, and you continue to receive the personal attention and service you’re used to.
What is an in-network doctor?
Medicare Advantage plans have contracts with doctors and advanced practice providers (APPs) to treat patients at lower costs. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll generally pay less in copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you visit an in-network doctor. Should you visit an out-of-network doctor, your costs will usually cost more.