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Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
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simona.combi@ncoa.org

Oct. 9, 2025, Arlington, VA—The 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period starts October 15, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) encourages everyone with Medicare to review their plans to make sure they have the coverage they need and are enrolled in programs that can help them save on costs. For those who switch plans, coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2026. 

“If you’re on Medicare, review your plan closely to make sure your doctors and pharmacies are still in network and your plan covers the medications and services you need,” said Ryan Ramsey, NCOA Associate Director of Health Coverage and Benefits. “If you’re having trouble affording Medicare, check to see if you’re eligible for benefits programs that can help.” 

Having the right Medicare plan and benefits programs can save people money and help them stay healthy. Research shows that a majority (69%) of Medicare beneficiaries do not compare their coverage options during Open Enrollment, potentially impacting their costs and benefits. 

With the poverty rate among older Americans now at 15%, it’s critical that individuals take the time to select the most cost-efficient plan for their needs. A recent report from NCOA and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston found that older adults with an annual income of $20,000 or less die on average nine years earlier than those who make $120,000 or more per year. 

Single beneficiaries with an income of $1,976/month and couples with an income of $2,664/month should check if they are eligible for these programs that can help them afford their coverage: 

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help eligible beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance. NCOA’s Benefits Participation Map shows that only 46.4% of eligible individuals are enrolled in the program and 2.3 million people are eligible but not enrolled. 

• The Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) can save eligible beneficiaries an average of almost $500 per month on prescriptions. More than 2 million adults 65+ who are eligible for LIS are not enrolled. 

Medicare changes in 2026 

Key changes to Medicare in 2026 include: 

• If a Medicare Part D plan has a deductible, enrollees will pay 100% of their covered prescription drug costs until the deductible of up to $615 for 2026 is met. This is an increase of $25 over the 2025 amount. 

• The cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will rise to $2,100, a $100 increase over the 2025 limit. This means beneficiaries will be responsible for an additional $100 in drug costs.

• Beneficiaries who participate in the Medicare Prescription Drug Payment Plan (MPP) will automatically be re-enrolled for the following year unless they opt out.  

• Medicare telehealth will revert to pre-pandemic limitations unless Congress agrees to extend them in the FY26 funding bill, currently being debated as part of the federal government shutdown. 

Where to get help 

People on Medicare can get free help reviewing their plan by contacting their local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office. SHIPs are in every state, and they offer in-depth and objective insurance counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. 

Individuals can also check if they may be eligible for Medicare low-income programs by using NCOA’s free BenefitsCheckup.org website or calling the toll-free helpline at 844-902-2425, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. 

About NCOA 
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.