Medicare Changes in 2026: What Florida Seniors Need to Know

Medicare made several meaningful changes at the start of 2026 that affect what you pay for coverage, how your prescription drugs are billed, and what to expect from your Medicare Supplement plan. If you're on Medicare — or helping a parent navigate it — this guide breaks down every significant change in plain English.

Part B Premium Increased to $202.90 Per Month

The most immediate change most Medicare beneficiaries will notice is the increase in the standard Medicare Part B premium. For 2026, the standard monthly premium is $202.90, up from $185.00 in 2025. That's an increase of $17.90 per month, or $214.80 per year.

Part B covers outpatient services: doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and outpatient surgeries. Almost everyone on Medicare pays this premium, and it's typically deducted automatically from your Social Security check.

Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). If your modified adjusted gross income exceeded $106,000 (individual) or $212,000 (married filing jointly) in 2023, you'll pay a surcharge on top of the standard premium.

The Part B annual deductible also increased slightly, to $257 in 2026 (up from $240 in 2025). You pay this deductible before Medicare begins covering outpatient services.

The Part D Drug Cap Is Now $2,100

One of the most significant changes for seniors who take expensive medications is the new $2,100 annual cap on out-of-pocket Part D prescription drug costs. This is part of the Inflation Reduction Act's multi-year rollout.

Here's how it works: once you've spent $2,100 out-of-pocket on covered Part D drugs in a calendar year, Medicare pays 100% of your remaining covered drug costs for the rest of the year. You pay nothing more.

This is a meaningful improvement for seniors on high-cost medications like insulin, cancer drugs, or specialty biologics. In previous years, there was no hard cap — costs could spiral indefinitely in the "catastrophic" phase.

Note that the cap applies to out-of-pocket costs for *covered* drugs on your plan's formulary. Non-formulary drugs and certain supplements are not counted toward the cap.

The Part D national base premium for 2026 is $38.99 per month, though actual premiums vary significantly by plan and insurer.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: What Changed

Medicare Supplement plans — Plan G and Plan N being the most popular — are standardized by the federal government, meaning their *benefits* do not change from year to year. What does change are the deductibles they cover and the premiums insurers charge.

Key 2026 Medigap figures:

| Item | 2025 | 2026 |

|---|---|---|

| Part A deductible (covered by Plan G/N) | $1,632 | $1,676 |

| Part B deductible (NOT covered by Plan G/N) | $240 | $257 |

| Part B excess charge protection | Plan G only | Plan G only |

If you have Plan G, your insurer now covers the higher Part A deductible of $1,676 per benefit period. Your only out-of-pocket exposure is the $257 Part B deductible each year.

If you have Plan N, you also benefit from the Part A deductible coverage, but you still pay the Part B deductible plus copays of up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit.

Premium trends: Medigap premiums vary by insurer, age, and location. In Florida, Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old typically range from $120 to $200 per month in 2026, while Plan N runs $80 to $160. Premiums generally increase 3–8% annually as you age, though the rate depends on the insurer's pricing model (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated).

Medicare Advantage: What to Watch in 2026

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — the private insurance alternative to Original Medicare — saw some notable shifts in 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusted payment rates to insurers, which led some plans to reduce extra benefits like dental and vision, while others increased cost-sharing.

If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, it's worth reviewing your plan's Evidence of Coverage document to confirm your doctors are still in-network and your drug formulary hasn't changed significantly. Annual open enrollment (October 15 – December 7) is the best time to switch plans if your current plan no longer meets your needs.

What These Changes Mean for Florida Seniors

Florida has one of the highest concentrations of Medicare beneficiaries in the country, and the 2026 changes affect residents here just as they do nationwide. A few Florida-specific considerations:

Supplement plan shopping: Florida is an "attained-age" rating state for most Medigap plans, meaning your premiums increase as you get older. If your Plan G or Plan N premium has risen significantly, it may be worth shopping for a lower-cost plan from a different insurer — the benefits are identical regardless of carrier.

Part D and specialty drugs: Florida seniors who take expensive medications for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer will benefit most from the new $2,100 Part D cap. If you haven't reviewed your Part D plan recently, comparing plans during open enrollment could save you hundreds of dollars.

Medicaid coordination: Florida seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles) typically have their Part B premiums paid by the state and may have additional protections on drug costs. If your income and assets are limited, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families to check your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Medicare Supplement plan automatically update to reflect 2026 changes?

Yes. Medigap plans automatically adjust to cover the new deductible amounts each year. You don't need to do anything — your plan will cover the updated Part A deductible of $1,676 in 2026.

Does the $2,100 Part D cap apply to Medicare Advantage drug coverage?

Yes. The cap applies to all Part D drug coverage, whether through a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD).

Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans in 2026?

You can apply to switch plans at any time, but outside of guaranteed issue periods, insurers can require medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your initial open enrollment period when you first become eligible for Medicare Part B.

My Part B premium went up. Can I appeal it?

If you believe your IRMAA surcharge is based on outdated income information (for example, if your income dropped significantly due to retirement or a life event), you can request a review using Form SSA-44.

Protect Your Coverage Gap With Final Expense Insurance

Medicare covers a great deal, but it doesn't cover everything. Final expense insurance fills in where Medicare ends — covering funeral costs, burial expenses, and outstanding medical bills that Medicare and Medigap don't address.

At InsuraFix, our licensed agents can help you review your Medicare Supplement options and pair them with a final expense policy that ensures your family is fully protected. Get a free quote in minutes — no medical exam required.