Better Medicare Alliance Responds to CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage Premiums and Enrollment Projections

WASHINGTON —Better Medicare Alliance (BMA), the nation’s leading research and advocacy organization supporting Medicare Advantage, today released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2026 Medicare Advantage premiums and enrollment projections:

“CMS’s announcement of lower average Medicare Advantage premiums in 2026 is welcome news for more than 34 million seniors and people with disabilities who depend on the program,” said Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance. “We appreciate the Administration’s recognition of the need for stability in Medicare Advantage and its commitment to keeping premiums affordable for beneficiaries.

“As we analyze the data further, we expect many seniors will continue to see changes in their coverage—from higher out-of-pocket costs to fewer supplemental benefits—reflecting continued strain from the previous administrations’ policies. This is precisely why it is important to focus on policymaking that prioritizes program stability and puts seniors first. We look forward to working with policymakers to achieve this and continue strengthening Medicare Advantage for beneficiaries and taxpayers.”

CMS reports the average monthly Medicare Advantage premium is projected to fall from $16.40 in 2025 to $14.00 in 2026, with broad plan availability continuing nationwide. While plan bids indicate a modest year-over-year enrollment dip (34.9 million to 34 million), CMS notes that historical trends suggest actual enrollment will be more robust and stable.

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Better Medicare Alliance is a community of more than one million grassroots beneficiaries and 200+ ally organizations working to improve health care through a strong Medicare Advantage. Learn more at  www.bettermedicarealliance.org.