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- Seniors with Medicare Part D drug plans might face sticker shock in 2026 as premiums for those plans are now expected to increase significantly due to a subsidy program cutback, regulatory changes, and higher costs.
- That program provided $6.2B in federal funds into Part D plans in 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a Medicare official. That figure is set to be cut by around 40% next year.
- CMS is said to be trying to mitigate the impact of the hikes by negotiating with insurers for their 2026 bids for Part D plans.
- The Journal noted that the increase could lead to more Medicare enrollees choosing Medicare Advantage plans, which also include drug coverage.
- Top healthcare insurers offering Part D plans include UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), CVS Health (NYSE:CVS), Humana (NYSE:HUM), Centene (NYSE:CNC), Cigna (NYSE:CI), and Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV).