Another Year of Changes in the Medicare Industry: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare Before AEP

August 28, 2025

2026 Brings More Medicare Changes: Here's What You Need to Know.

Key Takeaways

  • 2026 changes coming: Be prepared during this year’s AEP.

  • AEP runs October 15 – December 7, 2025 for coverage effective in 2026.

  • Parts A & B costs expected to rise, so budget adjustments may be needed. Part B jumping 11%. to $206 a month in 2026.

  • Some Medicare Advantage plans are ending or changing, making it important to review your options.

  • Why Work With Us: We are your local trusted advisors, we will assess your needs to help you make confident decisions for your coverage needs.

What’s Coming in 2026

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaching on October 15, it’s important to be prepared for 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced several updates that could affect your coverage, including changes to prescription drug costs, premiums, and plan options.


Here are a few key updates for 2026:

  • A new cap on prescription drug costs: The maximum out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs will be capped at $2,100, up from $2,000 in 2025. This gives greater financial predictability if you have high drug costs.

  • Drug price negotiations: For the first time, negotiated prices for some of Medicare’s most expensive drugs will take effect. Download the updated 2026 Part D drug list. Click here to review the full 2026 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program guide. 


  • Higher costs projected for Parts A and B: Premiums and deductibles for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) are expected to increase. Medicare Part B premiums are jumping 11% to $206 per month in 2026.

  • Review your plan: Some Medicare Advantage plans are adjusting benefits, and some carriers may be exiting certain markets. If your plan is affected, you will need to choose a new one during AEP.


Why review your plan now?
Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s crucial to review your options every year. Your plan’s benefits, premiums, and drug coverage can change—and your own health needs may have evolved.

Major Changes Are Already Underway

Many Medicare Advantage  Plans are already exiting in 2025. This means you may need to transition to a new plan to maintain the coverage that fits your needs.


Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP), running October 15 through December 7, 2025, is your chance to review your options and make changes that will take effect in 2026. 

If you are new to Beuttel Insurance, please contact our office at 530-303-3366 to schedule your complementary benefits review appointment.


If you’ve received a call or letter from your carrier about your plan ending—don’t stress. That’s why we’re here. We’re ready to guide you to a plan that supports your health, meets your financial needs, and gives you peace of mind.


What to Review Before AEP

To stay ahead, here are the key things you’ll want to review before enrollment begins:

  • Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): This document, usually arriving early September, outlines what’s changing in your current plan for 2026, including premiums, benefits, and provider networks.

  • Check if your plan is ending: Some Medicare Advantage plans will not be available in 2026. Knowing this early helps you plan ahead.

  • Know your rights and options: If your plan is being discontinued, you’ll have special opportunities to choose a new plan without losing coverage.


Start your AEP prep today by downloading our  AEP Checklist!

Why Work With Us?

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, especially with so many changes happening this year. That’s where we come in. We are your local trusted advisors, we will assess your needs to help you make confident decisions for your coverage needs.


Here’s what we can help you review when comparing plans:

  • Rates and costs: Making sure the premium and out-of-pocket expenses fit within your budget.

  • Plan stability: Looking at how plans have changed over time so you can feel confident about the coverage you choose.

  • Coverage value: Ensuring the benefits align with your healthcare needs—not just today, but in the long run.

The lowest-cost plan isn’t always the best option. By working together, we’ll look at the full picture so you can make a confident choice that balances cost, coverage, and peace of mind.


Let’s Get Started Together

Medicare changes can be very confusing and even stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re here to answer your questions, review your options, and guide you into a plan that’s beneficial for your health, meets your budget, and gives you peace of mind.


If you are new to Beuttel Insurance, please contact our office 530-303-3366  for a complementary benefits review appointment. 

August 8, 2025
Knowing which path is right for you & when to act — can save you money & stress.
Summer sun safety ad with a straw hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses on a white grid, with the headline
By ebeuttel July 18, 2025
July is UV Safety Awareness Month—a timely reminder for Medicare beneficiaries to stay informed about sun protection and understand what their plan covers. Learn what’s included in Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage when it comes to skin checks, eye exams, and preventive care, plus practical tips for enjoying the outdoors safely this summer. The post Stay Sun-Safe This Summer: What Medicare Covers & How to Protect Yourself appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Slide:
By Kayleen Popp July 3, 2025
Looking for Medicare dental, vision, and hearing coverage? Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine care in these areas—but affordable options are available. Learn how Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental insurance can help you stay covered and avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses for dental work, eye exams, and hearing aids. The post Filling the Gaps: Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
A woman in a white coat assists an elderly person in a wheelchair. Text:
By ebeuttel June 27, 2025
Deciding to move a parent or loved one into memory care or assisted living is never easy—but recognizing the signs early and having a thoughtful plan can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. In this blog, we share practical tips on how to identify when it may be time, how to approach the conversation with compassion, and what key steps to consider as you plan the move. From organizing legal and medical documents to choosing the right location and packing meaningful items, this guide is designed to help you take each step with clarity and confidence. Read the full blog for resources, checklists, and insight from someone who’s been there. The post How to Know When It’s Time for Memory Care or Assisted Living – And How to Talk About It appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Man hiking through a field at sunset, text reads
By ebeuttel June 13, 2025
June is Men’s Health Month—and if you or a loved one has ever woken up with sudden, sharp pain in the big toe or another joint, gout could be the culprit. It’s a common but painful form of arthritis that affects many older men, often disrupting daily life and comfort. The good news? Medicare provides valuable support for diagnosing, treating, and managing gout. In this article, I’ll break down what causes gout, how to recognize it, and how Medicare can help you take control—so you can stay mobile, independent, and feeling your best. The post Men’s Health Spotlight: How Medicare Can Help You Manage Gout appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Medicare travel coverage tips
By ebeuttel May 16, 2025
Planning a trip abroad? Don’t get caught without the right coverage! Many seniors are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t typically cover international travel, which is why exploring travel insurance for seniors is a must. If you're managing a pre-existing condition, understanding your Medicare travel coverage options can help you avoid unexpected costs and get peace of mind while overseas. In this blog, we cover what’s included, what’s not, and how to find the right travel insurance plan—especially if you're on Medicare Advantage or have a Medigap policy. Whether you’re preparing for a European cruise or a tropical getaway, make sure you're protected before you take off. The post Adventure Awaits—But Is Medicare Coming With You? appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Medicare advantagep
By ebeuttel May 2, 2025
Many people are experiencing an unexpected drop in Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage — finding themselves without access to the care team they’ve trusted for years, often with little to no notice. This sudden change can be overwhelming, especially when your health depends on ongoing relationships with your primary doctor and specialists who understand your history. […] The post When Your Medicare Advantage Plan Drops Your Doctor: What You Can Do Next appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Medicare Advantage
By ebeuttel April 17, 2025
At Beuttel Insurance, we believe every month is a good time to prioritize your health—but April is officially recognized as National Move More Month, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about how Medicare Advantage plans can help you do just that. In today’s world, it’s so easy to find ourselves sitting on the couch, […] The post April is National Move More Month: Get Moving with Medicare Advantage Plan Perks! appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Med
April 3, 2025
Managing allergies can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. This blog covers how Medicare helps with allergy testing, treatments, and prescription coverage under Part B and Part D. Learn what’s covered, potential out-of-pocket costs, and how to maximize your benefits for better allergy relief. The post Navigating Allergy Season: How Medicare Covers Testing, Treatments, and Prescription Costs appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.