Things are change coming in 2026 for Medicare Advantage Plans

Mike Fisher • August 23, 2025

Things are change coming in 2026 for Medicare Advantage Plans


As the Annual Enrollment Period approaches, carriers are finalizing their 2026 plans. The big change in 2025 was the prescription benefits with an out-of-pocket cap of $2,000. Some carriers in 2025 reduced their plan offerings in certain counties, particularly in New Jersey. In 2026 many carriers are reducing plan options and cutting supplemental benefits. These supplemental benefits are the Dental, Vision, Fitness, and Over-the-Counter allowances. Despite these changes, all Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPD) must still meet or exceed Original Medicare benefits under CMS regulations. In 2025, over half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries—34.1 million people—elected a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover their healthcare costs.


A carrier in the Philadelphia Metro region in 2025, Independence Blue Cross (IBX), made minimal changes to their Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans. In 2026, IBX will drop several MAPD PPO plan options, including Personal Choice 65 Elite, Personal Choice 65 Prime, and Personal Choice 65 Saver. Members are encouraged to explore HMO alternatives, which now offer a larger network than the PPOs and includes neighboring counties beyond the original service area. All IBX Medicare Advantage HMO plans do not require referrals.


Hospital Indemnity plans can offset higher co-payments associated with Medicare Advantage plans, covering hospital stays, emergency room services, and other related costs by giving you cash benefits coving those co-payments. Separately, a dental/vision plan may supplement the loss of the Medicare Advantage benefit, acting as a secondary payer to lower your co-payments while raising annual benefit limits.


What should you do if you receive a non-renewal letter? Call Mike to discuss your options. This year Health Insurance by Mike Fisher is offering plans from IBX, Aetna, Humana and United Healthcare. Mike will help you to choose a new plan from the carriers he is working with. Mike will go over the plan’s benefits, check the plans provider list if your doctor is In-Network as well as the plan’s formulary for your prescriptions. Mike can also help you if you wish to enroll in a supplemental dental/vision or an indemnity plan. Mike can discuss the 2026 benefits with you after October 1, 2025.


Call Mike at (610) 420-6064. All calls must be recorded per CMS's regulations.


Mike Fisher do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent five organizations which offer more than forty-two products in your area. Any, information that is provided is limited to those plans he offers in your area. For additional information please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Medicare Supplements - What are they?

By Mike Fisher • August 13, 2025
Navigating healthcare coverage during retirement involves understanding various plan options and details, which can be complex. For individuals nearing Medicare eligibility, it is important to compare standard Medicare coverage with supplemental options to identify the best fit for your needs. Medicare Supplement plans are available to address some of the costs not covered by traditional Fee For Service (FFS) Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help cover the 20% of medical costs that traditional FFS Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay, as well as deductibles for Parts A and B. These plans do not include Part D prescription drug coverage; a separate plan must be purchased if prescription coverage is needed. Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are typically excluded from both traditional Medicare and most supplement plans, although some insurers may offer these benefits as additional options. Supplement plans allow beneficiaries to visit any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, and most plans also cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies up to plan limits. Availability of specific plans varies by region. Currently, Plan G and Plan N are among the most commonly selected options. Plan G covers all Part A and B services except for the Part B deductible. Plan N covers all Part A and B services except for deductibles and certain copayments related to office and emergency room visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. Neither plan have out-of-pocket or lifetime limits. The core benefits of these plans remain generally consistent across different insurers, though minor differences may exist, and premium rates vary depending on age, gender, carrier, and location. For instance, in the Philadelphia metro area, average monthly premiums for Plan G are $150 for 65-year-old males and $130 for females. Plan N averages $125 for males and $110 for females. The High-Deductible Plan G, with a $2,870 Part B deductible for 2025, has lower premiums—$80 per month for males and $50 for females. Beneficiaries are still responsible for paying Part B and, if applicable, Part A premiums. Enrollment is possible during the initial enrollment period or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), with guaranteed issue regardless of health status during these times. Afterward, insurers may require medical underwriting based on their own criteria. Policies remain renewable as long as premiums are paid. Individuals considering healthcare options after Medicare enrollment may find that a Medicare Supplement plan addresses specific coverage needs. For further information or to obtain a free quote, contact Health Insurance by Mike Fisher at (610) 420-6064.