Becker's Healthcare October 14, 2025
The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, setting insurers’ 2026 membership and revenue trajectories as beneficiaries select Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage.
The 2026 cycle is unfolding amid a projected MA enrollment decline, lower average star ratings, plan retrenchment and market exits, provider contract disruptions, and new CMS regulations.
1. CMS projects a decrease of 900,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2026, despite continued availability of plans for 99% of beneficiaries. The expected decrease stems from higher premiums, utilization costs, and challenges related to new payment models. Industry-wide, MA plans are facing increasing financial losses, with a $5.7 billion underwriting loss recorded in 2024.
2. MA star ratings for 2026 show a dip in...
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