Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
The Medicare Advantage (MA) market continues to evolve, and 2026 brings new challenges for seniors. Several major insurers—including Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealth Group—are once again trimming their Medicare Advantage plans, particularly those that include Part D prescription drug coverage. As a result, some seniors could face fewer choices, rising costs, and disruptions in coverage.
With many plans shifting or disappearing, it's more important than ever to understand your options—and how to save on your prescriptions. Here’s what to expect in 2026 and how the RxLess® Assurance Plan can help you stay ahead.
What Are the Changes to Part D for 2026?
In 2026, insurers are continuing the trend of reducing Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D drug coverage. While final counts haven’t been publicly finalized, trends from 2025 cuts show Aetna dropped 10% of its MA-Part D plans, UnitedHealth cut 5.4%, and Humana reduced about 2.5%. Analysts expect further regional reductions in 2026, especially in saturated or less profitable markets.
In some areas—particularly rural counties and smaller urban centers—certain plans may be pulled altogether, leaving seniors with only one or two options that include drug coverage. The impact will likely vary significantly by ZIP code.
Why Are Part D Plans Being Cut?
Ongoing changes in Medicare funding and policy are a key driver. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), base payments to Medicare Advantage plans will decline slightly in 2026, even though risk-adjusted payments could increase for some plans.
Meanwhile, insurers face higher administrative costs and tighter oversight on marketing and broker commissions. In fact, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and others are eliminating or reducing commissions for Medicare Part D plans, which could discourage brokers from actively promoting or supporting them—adding further incentive for insurers to streamline offerings.
How the RxLess® Assurance Plan Can Help Offset These Changes
If you lose Part D coverage or enroll in a plan with limited drug benefits, the RxLess® Assurance Plan offers a simple and effective way to reduce your prescription costs.
The RxLess® marketplace provides real-time pricing at over 70,000 pharmacies, helping users save up to 88% on commonly prescribed medications. This can be a lifesaver if your plan doesn’t cover the drugs you need—or if your out-of-pocket costs suddenly rise.
With the RxLess® app or website, you can find the lowest price nearby for medications such as:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Metformin (Glucophage)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- And many others The tool is free to use, and there's no membership or insurance required.
What Are the Options for Seniors in 2026?
If your current Medicare Advantage plan is reducing or eliminating Part D coverage, consider these options:
- Switch to a standalone Part D plan during open enrollment.
- Use the RxLess® Assurance Plan to compare pharmacy prices and cut out-of-pocket expenses.
- Consult a Medicare advisor, but keep in mind that fewer plans may be recommended due to cutbacks in agent commissions.
- Explore community assistance programs or state pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs), if eligible. It’s also important to consider that some Medicare Advantage plans are reducing supplemental benefits in 2026—including dental, vision, and transportation services. Make sure to evaluate the full scope of changes, not just prescription drug coverage.
Understanding the $2,100 Out-of-Pocket Cap and Payment Plan
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Part D introduced a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025, rising slightly to $2,100 in 2026. This is good news for seniors with high drug costs. Additionally, the new Prescription Payment Plan (PPP) allows beneficiaries to spread their drug costs over 12 months instead of paying the full amount up front. While enrollment is optional, CMS rules require insurers to automatically offer this plan during enrollment or when a high-cost prescription is filled.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period
Open enrollment for 2026 Medicare plans starts October 15, 2025, and ends December 7, 2025. In preparation:
- Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see if your current plan is dropping or limiting Part D coverage.
- Make a list of your medications and compare coverage across plans using Medicare Plan Finder.
- Look at total costs—not just premiums—including co-pays, deductibles, and pharmacy network access.
- Use the RxLess® Assurance Plan to fill in coverage gaps and find lower-cost options for your prescriptions.
With some agents and brokers possibly backing away from supporting certain plans, it’s even more important to do your own research or seek guidance from unbiased sources.
By staying informed and using the RxLess® Assurance Plan, you can navigate these Medicare changes with confidence—and keep your medication costs under control.
