The 2026 open enrollment is already here, which means this is the opportunity to have a look at your Medicare coverage. Between October 15 and December 7, you can compare your options in Medicare.gov.
This year brings three main changes: the Inflation Reduction Act that’s adjusting the price for medicines, the average Medicare Part D premium is going up, and some Medicare Advantage plans are adding benefits like dental, telehealth and fitness.
In florida there’s quite a lot of seniors, so these decisions can make a big difference between access and costs. The SHINE program offers free advice if you ever need help. And medicare.gov helps the compare by doctore and pharmaceuticals. “You want to make sure you’re not being lured in by extras and are really looking at what matters to you, your hospitals, your doctors, your prescription drugs,” said Ali Diaz, deputy state director for Florida’s SHINE program, which helps older people through their options.
Checking the plans make sense even if you like the one you’ve already got because drugs forms change every year and your health coverage for older adults should be adapted to your actual needs.
2026 is bringing changes
The biggest change this time would be the cost of drugs. On one side; Inflation Reduction Act is increasing the list of medicines by negotiating prices that can be beneficial for people subscribed in medicare, which, for some people with chronic and expensive treatments means saving money. On the other hand, according to Medicare.gov, the average monthly Medicare Part D goes up in 2026 approximately $34,50, and this amount can be heavy if you sum it up at the end of the year, especially for those on a fix income.
Medicare Advantage is incorporating new benefits in 2026, like extended dental coverage, telehealth options and fitness memberships. And I know, this sounds exciting, but let’s not forget what’s essential: your doctors, your hospitals, and your prescriptions. As Ali Diaz warned, it is convenient to look beyond the “extras” and focus on what you really use.
In Florida, where almost 30% of the population is 65 years old or older, and more than half of the seniors are already on Medicare Advantage, comparing annually is quite important because what fits them well today could change with premium adjustments, co-payments, networks and forms.
How to compare correctly (and without stressing about it)
You can start with a short list of your doctors, medications and your budget, then have a look at the options. At Medicare.gov, you can filter plans by your favorite drugs and providers, and that quick step helps detect plans that sound great at first but then fail in the basics. If you are attracted to Medicare Advantage, check the service network very carefully. And if you’re interested in Medicare Original with Medicare Part D, have a close look at the medication form and the total annual cost (not just the premium).
You can also get in contact with the SHINE program if you want to speak to someone, they can give you free and neutral advice during the open enrollment time. Their only mission is to clarify your doubts.
Many people find that changing only the medication plan, they can reduce some expenses without losing access. And others, see that a Medicare Advantage with specific benefits it’s the best option for them.
But remember that if you do nothing, you will probably just keep having your current plan, which could be expensive if forms or networks changes; a drug can level up or a doctor leave the network.