Medicare Part D premiums will sharply rise in 2026 - report

 

• Seniors with Medicare Part D drug plans might face sticker shock in 2026 as premiums for those plans are now expected to increase significantly due to a subsidy program cutback, regulatory changes, and higher costs.
• That program provided $6.2B in federal funds into Part D plans in 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a Medicare official. That figure is set to be cut by around 40% next year.
• CMS is said to be trying to mitigate the impact of the hikes by negotiating with insurers for their 2026 bids for Part D plans.
• The Journal noted that the increase could lead to more Medicare enrollees choosing Medicare Advantage plans, which also include drug coverage.
• Top healthcare insurers offering Part D plans include UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), CVS Health (NYSE:CVS), Humana (NYSE:HUM), Centene (NYSE:CNC), Cigna (NYSE:CI), and Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV). 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/insurance/medicare-part-d-premiums-will-sharply-rise-in-2026-report/ar-AA1Jszuo