medicare advantage 2026 are plans cutting benefits like rides vision and dental what to watch

Introduction

If you rely on Medicare Advantage extra benefits like rides to appointments, routine vision care, or dental coverage, it is smart to double-check what is changing for 2026. These “extras” can be valuable, but they are not guaranteed to stay the same from year to year.

The most important thing to know is this: Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same medically necessary Part A and Part B services as Original Medicare, but many of the extras (like dental, vision, hearing, transportation, meals, and similar benefits) can change each year. Medicare’s own materials explain that plan rules can change each year and that you should review your plan notices carefully before the next year begins. Medicare

Content

• Why Medicare Advantage extra benefits can change for 2026
• Are plans cutting benefits in 2026? How to think about it
• Rides and transportation benefits: what to watch
• Vision benefits: what to watch
• Dental benefits: what to watch
• The documents to check before you assume your benefits are safe
• What to do if a benefit you rely on is reduced
• Quick checklist for comparing 2026 Medicare Advantage plans

Why Medicare Advantage extra benefits can change for 2026

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private companies that follow Medicare rules. Medicare explains that plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, including some vision, hearing, and dental services. Medicare

At the same time, Medicare’s materials are clear that plan details can change each year. That is why your plan sends notices like the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Medicare

It also helps to understand how plans pay for extra benefits. MedPAC (the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a nonpartisan legislative branch agency) explains that Medicare Advantage plans may provide supplemental benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing services, and that many of these benefits are financed by plan rebates. MedPAC also describes newer flexibilities that allow benefits like meals and nonmedical transportation for certain chronically ill enrollees (often called SSBCI). MedPAC

When plan costs, payment rules, or plan bidding strategies change, plans may adjust premiums, cost sharing, provider networks, and optional supplemental benefits. CMS publishes yearly Medicare Advantage payment and policy updates that influence the overall environment plans operate in. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Are plans cutting benefits in 2026? How to think about it

You may see headlines suggesting that Medicare Advantage plans are “cutting benefits” for 2026. The reality is usually more specific and more personal:

Some plans may reduce or tighten certain optional benefits, while other plans may keep them the same or even improve them. Medicare emphasizes that plan rules can change each year and that you should rely on your plan’s official documents, not marketing. Medicare+1

A helpful way to think about it is to separate two categories:

• Benefits Medicare requires your plan to cover
  These are medically necessary services covered under Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans must cover these services. Medicare
• Optional “extra” benefits
  These are commonly where you see year-to-year changes, such as ride benefits, dental allowances, eyewear credits, hearing aid coverage, meal programs, or flex cards. Medicare describes these as extra benefits that plans may offer. Medicare

If you want a practical example focused on rides, you can also review this Understood Care page: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/medicare-advantage-cuts-in-2026-dont-lose-your-rides

Rides and transportation benefits: what to watch

Transportation benefits in Medicare Advantage are often described as “rides,” “non-emergency transportation,” or “transportation to medical appointments.” These benefits can be extremely helpful, but the details matter.

Common ways ride benefits are limited

Even when a plan advertises rides, the benefit often includes limits like:

• A set number of one-way trips per month or per year
• Rides only for medical appointments (not errands or social trips)
• Limits on distance or service area
• Requirements to schedule in advance
• Rules about who can ride with you (caregiver, family member)
• Use of a specific transportation vendor selected by the plan
• Limits on wheelchair-accessible vehicles or specialty transport

MedPAC notes that plans can offer nonmedical transportation as a special supplemental benefit for certain chronically ill enrollees under SSBCI. That means eligibility and rules may differ depending on how the benefit is structured.

Red flags that a ride benefit may be shrinking

When you review your 2026 plan documents, watch for changes such as:

• Fewer rides than last year
• More restrictions on what qualifies as an approved trip
• New copays for rides that used to be free
• Shorter service area, fewer pickup options, or fewer appointment types covered
• More steps to qualify (for example, referrals or medical documentation)

If you need broader support arranging transportation, Understood Care also has this resource: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vision benefits: what to watch

Vision benefits are a common reason people choose Medicare Advantage. But it is important to understand what Original Medicare typically covers versus what Medicare Advantage may add.

What Original Medicare usually covers versus what many Medicare Advantage plans add

Medicare explains that for routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses, you generally pay the full cost, and some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits like vision coverage.

Medicare also notes more broadly that Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, including some vision services.

Vision benefit details that often change year to year

When you compare your 2025 and 2026 coverage, check for changes in:

• Routine exam frequency (yearly vs every other year)
• Eyewear allowance amount and what it can be used for (frames, lenses, contacts)
• Network rules (in-network only vs partial out-of-network)
• Whether you must use specific retailers or mail-order suppliers
• Copays for the exam or materials
• Coverage for upgrades (progressive lenses, coatings)

For general eye-health guidance and aging-related vision care tips, you can reference: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/keeping-your-vision-healthy

Dental benefits: what to watch

Dental coverage is another area where Medicare Advantage may offer meaningful extras, but the fine print can be easy to miss.

What Original Medicare usually covers

Medicare explains that in most cases, Medicare does not cover routine dental services like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or implants.

CMS also explains that Medicare generally does not pay for dental services, with limited exceptions in specific situations (for example, certain inpatient hospital dental services or dental services integral to another covered procedure).

Dental benefit details that often change year to year

If your plan includes dental for 2026, look closely at:

• The annual maximum benefit (a dollar cap for the year)
• Whether coverage is preventive only (cleanings, exams) or includes basic and major services
• Waiting periods for major services
• Required dental network and what happens if your dentist is out-of-network
• Whether implants, dentures, crowns, or root canals are excluded or limited
• Prior authorization or documentation requirements
• Separate cost sharing for different categories of dental work

If you are trying to understand what Medicare does and does not cover for dental visits, Understood Care also has: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/does-medicare-cover-dental-appointments

The documents to check before you assume your benefits are safe

If you want the most reliable answer about whether your rides, vision, or dental benefits are changing for 2026, focus on official plan materials, not ads.

Annual Notice of Change

Medicare explains that your plan’s Annual Notice of Change includes changes in coverage, costs, provider networks, and service area that will be effective in January. Medicare’s Medicare Advantage guide also states that the plan will send a printed copy by September 30.

If you cannot find your ANOC, call your plan and request a copy.

Evidence of Coverage

Medicare’s Medicare Advantage guide explains that the Evidence of Coverage gives details about what the plan covers and how much you pay. The guide also notes that your plan will send a notice (or printed copy) by October 15 explaining how to get the Evidence of Coverage.

Summary of Benefits

This is often easier to read than the full Evidence of Coverage, but it may not include every limitation. Use it as a starting point, then confirm details in the EOC.

Provider and pharmacy directories

Even if an extra benefit stays the same, changes in the provider network can affect how easy it is to use your coverage. Confirm that your preferred providers, dentists, vision providers, and pharmacies are still in-network for 2026.

Formulary and utilization management rules

Medicare notes that Medicare Advantage plans may require approval (prior authorization) for some services or supplies.

If your care depends on specific services or medications, confirm whether any new prior authorization rules or formulary changes affect you in 2026.

What to do if a benefit you rely on is reduced

If you discover that rides, dental, or vision benefits are being reduced for 2026, you still have options.

Start with a focused call to your plan

Ask specific questions such as:

• How many rides are included for 2026, and what counts as an eligible trip?
• Is there a copay for rides, dental services, or eyewear in 2026?
• Do I have to use a specific network or vendor to use the benefit?
• What services are excluded (for example, implants or certain eyewear upgrades)?
• Are there any prior authorization requirements?

Write down the date, the name of the representative, and what you were told.

Know the key enrollment windows

Medicare’s enrollment periods publication explains that each year, the Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 and changes take effect January 1. It also explains that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and you can make one change during that period.

Medicare.gov also describes Open Enrollment as a time to make changes to your Medicare health or drug coverage.

If you want a plain-language refresher, Understood Care also has: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/medicare-open-enrollment

Compare plans using the same checklist every time

When you compare options, prioritize the benefits you actually use:

• Transportation: number of rides, eligibility rules, booking rules
• Dental: annual max, network, major services coverage, exclusions
• Vision: allowance, network, exam frequency, copays
• Total yearly cost: premium plus expected copays plus maximum out-of-pocket limit
• Provider network: your doctors, specialists, hospitals
• Prescription coverage: formulary fit and utilization rules

If you want help understanding common insurance terms (deductibles, copays, maximum out-of-pocket), you can also reference: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/helping-you-understand-your-benefits

Quick checklist for comparing 2026 Medicare Advantage plans

Use this short checklist to keep your comparison practical and consistent:

• Confirm your doctors, dentists, and vision providers are in-network
• Confirm the maximum out-of-pocket limit for in-network care
• Compare ride benefits using trip counts and eligibility rules, not marketing phrases
• Compare dental using the annual max and what counts as major services
• Compare vision using the eyewear allowance rules and network restrictions
• Check prior authorization and referral rules for the care you use most
• Check your prescriptions in the plan formulary and note any restrictions
• Read the ANOC and EOC for the final details before you decide

FAQ

• Are Medicare Advantage plans cutting rides in 2026?
  Some plans may reduce optional ride benefits, while others may keep them. The reliable way to know is to read your plan’s ANOC and Evidence of Coverage.
• Can my Medicare Advantage plan reduce dental benefits for 2026?
  Yes. Routine dental is generally not covered by Original Medicare, and Medicare Advantage dental benefits vary by plan and can change year to year.
• Can my Medicare Advantage plan reduce vision benefits for 2026?
  Yes. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra vision benefits, but the amount, network rules, and allowances can change.
• What should I look for in my ANOC for 2026 benefits?
  Look for changes in extra benefits, costs, provider networks, service area, and any new limits on rides, dental caps, or vision allowances.
• When can I switch Medicare Advantage plans for 2026?
  The yearly Open Enrollment Period is October 15 to December 7 and changes take effect January 1. If you are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you may also have a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 to make one change.
• Do Medicare Advantage dental and vision benefits have annual limits?
  Often yes. Many plans use annual maximums, allowances, or category limits, so you should confirm the cap and what services count toward it.
• If my plan cuts rides for 2026, what options do I have?
  You can compare other plans during enrollment periods, ask your plan about exceptions, and explore local transportation resources that may support medical appointments.

References

• https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/medicare-advantage-cuts-in-2026-dont-lose-your-rides
• https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/keeping-your-vision-healthy
• https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/does-medicare-cover-dental-appointments
• https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/medicare-open-enrollment
• https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/helping-you-understand-your-benefits
• https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-announcement.pdf
• https://www.medicare.gov/basics/forms-publications-mailings/mailings/costs-and-coverage/upcoming-plan-changes
• https://www.medicare.gov/publications/12026-understanding-medicare-advantage-plans.pdf
• https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11219-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Medicare-Drug-Plan-Enrollment-Periods.pdf
• https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment
• https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/eye-exams-routine
• https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services
• https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/dental
• https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/medicare-learning-network-mln/mlnproducts/downloads/visionservices_factsheet_icn907165.pdf
• https://www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jun25_Ch2_MedPAC_Report_To_Congress_SEC.pdf
• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829183

This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice from your own clinicians or care team. If you are considering PACE or have questions about PACE program food benefits, talk directly with your local PACE organization or a trusted advocate.