From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, older adults can select from a range of Medicare Advantage plans. Here are updates from the biggest insurers so far:
The insurer’s Medicare Advantage plans will reach 94% of those eligible, compared to 96% in 2025. Earlier this year, UnitedHealthcare said it would some exit MA markets, affecting 600,000 people total.
HMO, D-SNP, C-SNP and tailored plan availability are expanding in 2026. HMO plans will reach 92% of eligible beneficiaries. D-SNPs will be available to nearly 80% of dual eligibles, and UnitedHealthcare will offer C-SNPs to over 46 million eligible beneficiaries. Tailored plan options will reach almost 20 million consumers.
93% of members will see decreased or stabilized tier 2 copays at retail pharmacies.
Humana’s MA footprint is shrinking, with only 46 states — plus Washington, D.C. — and 85% of U.S. counties covered. However, Humana will offer new plan types in four states and 177 counties. All of Humana’s MA plans will include dental, vision and hearing coverage. Over 80% of Humana MA members will have stable benefits.
Roughly 83% of Humana prescription drug plans will have a premium decrease. Humana will continue offering three PDPs.
D-SNPs are coming to Illinois, and C-SNPs will be available in Idaho, Maine and New Jersey.
Humana will also introduce benefits for members with end-stage renal disease and chronic kidney condition on some non-special needs MA plans across Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and Virginia.
CVS Health’s insurance business will offer MA plans in 43 states plus Washington, D.C. — down from 2025 and 2024 — for 57 million Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
Aetna will offer a $0 premium MA plan, which 82% of members will be able to access. For members who use a high-value primary care provider, some plans will contribute additional funds to their Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card.
C-SNPs will be in 18 states total (including 16 new ones), and D-SNPs will expand to 119 new counties.
Centene
Over 51 million beneficiaries in 32 states will be able to access Centene Medicare brand Wellcare MA plans in 2026, a spokesperson told Becker’s. More than eight million members across the country are eligible for two of Centene’s PDP products. Overall, Centene is expanding coverage to 51 new counties across California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Texas and North Carolina.
Centene is pivoting to a dual-eligible focus, moving from Medicare-Medicaid Plans to integrated D-SNPs in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. The insurer is also launching an enhanced integrated duals model in Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
Wellcare is phasing out its value-based insurance design program, meaning only members who meet certain health criteria will be eligible for additional benefits.
Under Medicare, insulin costs per month will not exceed either $35 or 25% of the drug’s negotiated or maximum fair price, whichever is lower.
Becker’s will continue updating this story as it develops.
