More than 4 million Medicare beneficiaries to lose Medicare Advantage or drug plans in 2026

According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported by KFF, 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries will have their Medicare Advantage or stand-alone prescription drug plans terminated at the end of 2026.

This includes 3.1 million enrollees in Medicare Advantage drug plans and 1.2 million enrollees in stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs).

Additionally, 1.4 million Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans that will consolidate with other plans offered by the same insurer, according to KFF.

KFF noted that the market for private Medicare plans is dynamic, with plan offerings changing annually. Leading up to the Medicare annual open enrollment period, some insurers announced reductions in the Medicare Advantage plans available for 2027 coverage.

There is also uncertainty about premiums and plan availability for stand-alone prescription drug plans in the upcoming year, as reported by KFF.