Keeping up with doctor’s appointments is essential to managing health and staying informed, but it can often feel overwhelming. From scheduling and transportation to understanding medical advice and ensuring proper follow-up, there are many details to manage. This is where Understood Care can help. Our advocates serve as trusted guides, working alongside you or your loved one to make the process easier, more organized, and more comfortable.
Personalized Support Before and After Every Appointment
Understood Care advocates provide hands-on help with all aspects of medical visits. We help you schedule appointments, confirm provider information, and prepare for the visit itself. This might include reviewing your questions ahead of time, making sure prescriptions are current, or gathering any medical records needed. After the appointment, we help you understand the doctor’s recommendations and take the right steps to follow through on care instructions, referrals, or additional tests.
A Partner to Help You Understand Your Care
Medical visits can involve unfamiliar language, new diagnoses, or complex treatment plans. Your advocate is there to help translate this information into clear, understandable terms. We make sure you feel confident about what was discussed during the visit and that you know what actions to take next. If something is unclear or left unanswered, your advocate can follow up with your provider to get the information you need.
Coordination Across Your Care Team
Many people receive care from more than one doctor. Your advocate helps ensure that your care is well coordinated across primary care providers, specialists, and other professionals. We help share information between offices, keep records consistent, and make sure appointments align with your overall care goals. This reduces confusion and helps prevent important details from being overlooked.
Support for Getting to and From the Appointment
Transportation should never be the reason you miss a doctor’s visit. Your advocate helps you arrange reliable ways to get to and from appointments. Whether that means booking a ride service, coordinating with a caregiver, or finding community transportation resources, we make sure you have safe and timely access to care. We also consider mobility needs, language assistance, and other accessibility factors to support your comfort and safety.
Emotional and Practical Support Throughout
Doctor’s visits can bring up feelings of stress, uncertainty, or fatigue, especially when managing long-term conditions or complex health needs. Understood Care advocates are here to offer steady support throughout the experience. We are here to listen, provide encouragement, and help you make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Confidence in Every Step of the Journey
With Understood Care, you are never alone in managing your medical appointments. From the moment you schedule your visit to the follow-up that comes afterward, your advocate is there to help you stay organized, prepared, and empowered. We make it easier to stay connected to the care you need and to move forward with confidence.
Quick Summary
- Original Medicare went up: The standard Part B monthly premium and deductible increased, and Part A costs also increased for people who pay a Part A premium (plus the hospital deductible went up).
- Medicare Advantage and Part D went down on average: On average, Medicare Advantage premiums and stand-alone Part D drug plan premiums decreased, but your plan could still go up depending on where you live and which plan you have.
- Why you might pay more even with a $0 Medicare Advantage plan: Even if your Medicare Advantage plan premium is $0, you still usually pay the Part B premium, and that went up in 2026. So your Social Security check can shrink even if your plan premium didn’t change.
- Don’t pick based on premium alone: A lower premium can be offset by higher drug costs, deductibles, copays, or losing doctors/pharmacies.
- How to check your situation: Look at your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and use Medicare’s plan compare tool to confirm your exact premium and total yearly costs.
Introduction
If you are on Medicare, “premium season” can feel stressful. You might hear that premiums are going down and still see your monthly costs rise. Or you might keep a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan and wonder why your Social Security deposit is smaller.
This guide explains what the federal government and a leading non-profit Medicare research organization reported about 2026 premiums. It also shows you a practical way to confirm whether your specific Medicare Advantage or Part D plan premium went down, stayed the same, or went up.
2026 premium changes at a glance
Here is the simplest way to understand 2026 changes.
- Original Medicare Part B costs went up in 2026. The standard monthly Part B premium increased, and the Part B deductible increased.
- Original Medicare Part A costs increased for people who pay a Part A premium, and the Part A inpatient hospital deductible increased.
- Medicare Advantage plan premiums went down on average for 2026, but your exact premium depends on your plan and where you live.
- Stand-alone Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan premiums went down on average for 2026, but some widely available plans increased premiums in many states.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans continue to charge no additional monthly premium beyond what you already pay for Part B.
Medicare premiums that rose for 2026
Part B premium and deductible increased
Part B is the part of Medicare that helps cover doctor visits and many outpatient services. Most people with Medicare pay a monthly Part B premium.
For 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month. The annual Part B deductible is $288. If you receive Social Security, these amounts are often deducted from your monthly benefit.
If your income is above certain thresholds, you may pay more than the standard Part B premium. This additional amount is called an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
Part A premium and hospital deductible increased for those who pay
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working. If you do owe a Part A premium, it increased for 2026.
For 2026, the full monthly Part A premium is $565 for people with fewer than 30 quarters of work. The reduced monthly Part A premium is $311 for people with 30 to 39 quarters of work.
The Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,676 for 2026. This deductible applies to each benefit period, not once per calendar year.
Why a “Medicare” premium increase can happen even when your plan premium did not
This is one of the most common sources of confusion.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, your total monthly cost can still increase even if your Medicare Advantage plan premium stays at $0. That is because you generally still pay the Part B premium, and the Part B premium increased for 2026.
In other words, your plan can have a lower or unchanged premium, while your overall monthly Medicare spending rises because Part B rose.
Medicare Advantage premiums for 2026: lower on average, but plan-specific
The average Medicare Advantage premium decreased for 2026
CMS estimated that the average monthly plan premium across all Medicare Advantage plans decreased from $16.40 in 2025 to $14.00 in 2026.
This is an average across many different plan types, including plans with $0 premiums and plans that charge a monthly premium. It does not guarantee that your specific plan premium decreased.
Many Medicare Advantage plans still charge no premium beyond Part B
A large share of Medicare Advantage plans with Part D drug coverage (MA-PDs) charge no additional premium beyond what you pay for Part B. That means many people keep a $0 plan premium for Medicare Advantage itself.
Even if your plan premium is $0, it is still important to check the plan’s deductible, copays, provider network, and drug formulary. Those details can change each year even when the premium does not.
Medicare drug premiums inside Medicare Advantage also decreased on average
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription drug coverage, CMS projected that the average Part D total premium for Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage decreased from $13.32 in 2025 to $11.50 in 2026 (after applying Medicare Advantage rebates). This is an average, so your plan may differ.
Some Medicare Advantage plans help offset Part B costs
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a Part B premium reduction as a supplemental benefit. If you are managing a tight monthly budget, this benefit can help, but it is not the same as eliminating Part B. You still must be enrolled in Part B, and the reduction amount depends on the plan.
Stand-alone Part D premiums for 2026: which plans tended to go down and which tended to go up
Part D premiums are one of the most variable Medicare costs. Two people can live in the same state and pay different premiums because they chose different plans. Premiums can also vary for the same plan across states.
CMS projected that the average total premium for stand-alone Part D plans decreased from $38.31 per month in 2025 to $34.50 per month in 2026. That overall trend is helpful, but what you really need is to know what happened to your plan.
To show what premium changes looked like across the country, KFF analyzed several stand-alone drug plans that were available on a national basis in 2025 and looked at how their premiums changed for 2026 across states and Washington, DC.
Stand-alone Part D plans that lowered premiums in most states for 2026
The following plans saw premium reductions in most states (though not necessarily every state). If you are enrolled in one of these plans, there is a reasonable chance your premium decreased, but you still need to confirm your exact premium in your area.
- Wellcare Classic: premium reduction in 48 states and DC, no change in 2 states, and an increase of less than $50 in 1 state.
- Humana Premier Rx Plan: premium reduction in 47 states and DC, and an increase of less than $50 in 4 states.
- Humana Basic Rx Plan: premium reduction in 46 states and DC, no change in 3 states, and an increase of less than $50 in 2 states.
- Humana Value Rx Plan: premium reduction in 39 states and DC, an increase of less than $50 in 11 states, and a $50 increase in 1 state.
- AARP Medicare Rx Saver: premium reduction in 34 states and DC, an increase of less than $50 in 15 states, and no change in 2 states.
Stand-alone Part D plans that raised premiums in many states for 2026
The following plans saw premium increases in many states. In some cases, increases reached $50, which KFF notes as the maximum allowed under the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration described by CMS.
- AARP Medicare Rx Preferred: premium increase in 47 states and DC (40 states with increases less than $50 and 7 states with a $50 increase) and a reduction in 4 states.
- SilverScript Choice: a $50 premium increase in 30 states and DC and a premium reduction in 20 states. This plan is offered in 49 states and DC in 2026.
- Wellcare Value Script: premium increase in 33 states and DC, no change in 16 states, and a premium reduction in 2 states.
- HealthSpring Extra Rx: a $50 premium increase in all 38 states and DC where it is offered in 2026.
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx: premium increases in 30 states and DC (15 states with increases less than $50 and 15 states with a $50 increase), no change in 6 states, and a premium reduction in 13 states. This plan is offered in 48 states and DC in 2026.
A quick reality check before you switch plans
A lower premium is good, but it is not the whole story. Before you switch, try to compare your expected total yearly costs, including:
- Your monthly premium
- Your deductible (if any)
- Your expected copays or coinsurance for your medicines
- Whether your preferred pharmacy is in-network
- Whether your medicines are still covered and on the same tier
If you are living with multiple chronic conditions or you take high-cost medications, a “cheap” premium can be offset by higher drug costs.
How to check whether your premium changed for 2026
1) Find your Plan Annual Notice of Change
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D plan, your plan should send you a Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall. Medicare explains that the ANOC lists changes in costs and coverage that take effect in January.
If you cannot find it, call your plan and ask for your 2026 ANOC and Evidence of Coverage. If you are helping a parent or spouse, ask them where they keep plan mailings, or help them create a folder for insurance documents.
2) Use Medicare’s official plan comparison tool
Medicare offers an official plan comparison tool that lets you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in your area.
A practical way to use it is to gather three things first:
- A list of your prescriptions, including dose and how often you take each medicine
- Your preferred pharmacies
- The names of your clinicians and hospitals you do not want to lose
Then compare plan options using total estimated costs, not just premium.
3) Confirm whether your “premium” is really only the plan premium
When people say their “premium went up,” they may be talking about one of several different charges:
- The Part B premium
- A Medicare Advantage plan premium (sometimes $0)
- A Part D plan premium
- An income-related adjustment amount (IRMAA) for Part B or Part D
If you separate these pieces, it is easier to spot what changed and what you can control by switching plans.
4) If you have higher income, watch for IRMAA
Medicare and Social Security can add an income-related monthly adjustment amount to your Part D premium and your Part B premium if your income is above certain thresholds.
If your household income dropped because of a life-changing event, Social Security explains that you can request a reduction in your IRMAA.
Practical steps if your premium went up
It can feel discouraging to see costs rise, especially if you are already budgeting carefully. These steps can help you respond without panic.
- Review your ANOC first, even if you think you will stay. It is the fastest way to spot premium and benefit changes that could affect your care.
- Compare at least a few alternatives during the Medicare Open Enrollment window. Sometimes a plan with a slightly higher premium has much lower total drug costs, or better access to your clinicians.
- If you have Medicare Advantage, double-check your clinicians and hospital for 2026 network status. Networks can change year to year.
- If you are paying an IRMAA and your income dropped, consider requesting a review with Social Security.
- If you want unbiased help comparing options, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling to people with Medicare and their families and caregivers.
- If you have limited income or resources, explore programs that can lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Understood Care’s financial help guide explains where to start and what documents you may need.
Related Understood Care resources
If you want step-by-step support comparing plans and organizing your paperwork, these Understood Care guides may help:
FAQ
- Did the 2026 Medicare Part B premium increase?
Yes. The standard 2026 Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, which is higher than 2025. - What is the 2026 Medicare Part B deductible?
The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible is $288 for the year. - Did the average 2026 Medicare Advantage premium go down?
Yes. CMS estimated the average Medicare Advantage plan premium decreased to $14.00 in 2026 (down from $16.40 in 2025). - Are there still $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in 2026?
Yes. Many Medicare Advantage plans with Part D drug coverage charge no additional premium beyond the Part B premium, though benefits and cost sharing can still change. - Which Part D plans lowered premiums for 2026 in most states?
KFF found premium reductions in most states for plans such as Wellcare Classic, Humana Premier Rx Plan, Humana Basic Rx Plan, Humana Value Rx Plan, and AARP Medicare Rx Saver. - Which Part D plans raised premiums for 2026 in many states, including some $50 increases?
KFF found premium increases in many states for plans such as AARP Medicare Rx Preferred, SilverScript Choice (with $50 increases in many states), Wellcare Value Script, and certain HealthSpring plans. - Why did my Medicare costs rise in 2026 even if my Medicare Advantage premium is $0?
A $0 Medicare Advantage plan premium does not eliminate the Part B premium. The standard Part B premium increased for 2026, and that can raise your total monthly cost even if your plan premium did not change. - How do I check my 2026 Medicare Advantage premium or 2026 Part D premium?
Start with your Plan Annual Notice of Change, then use Medicare’s official plan comparison tool to confirm your current premium and compare alternatives in your area. - Can I reduce 2026 Medicare IRMAA charges if my income dropped?
In some situations, yes. Social Security explains how to request a lower IRMAA after certain life-changing events that reduce income.
References
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026
https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-premiums-and-benefits/
https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-premiums-are-decreasing-for-many-stand-alone-drug-plans-in-a-number-of-states-in-2026/
https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/
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/11469-income-and-drug-premiums.pdf
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa
https://acl.gov/programs/connecting-people-services/state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship
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