Medicare Advantage enrollment expected to fall in 2026 as insurers cut back on unprofitable plans

CNBC September 29, 2025
Bertha Coombs

Key Points

– The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sees Medicare Advantage enrollment falling to 34 million in 2026, down from 35 million this year.

– CMS sees the Medicare market remaining stable, but analysts say health insurer filings point to higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs on 2026 MA plans.

– Insurers have cut broker commissions on 15% to 20% of plans to discourage enrollment in unprofitable plans, according to data from Medicare advisory firm Chapter.

– CMS says a government shutdown should not impact the Oct. 1 start of the Medicare open enrollment shopping period.

Medicare Advantage enrollment is poised to fall for the first time in nearly two decades, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...

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