Medicare coverage options for seniors in 2026

Seniors approaching or enrolled in Medicare face critical decisions regarding supplemental coverage for 2026, primarily choosing between Medigap (Medicare Supplement) and Medicare Advantage (Part C).

Medigap plans are designed to complement Original Medicare by covering cost gaps such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. While these plans provide more predictable expenses, they do not cover services outside of Original Medicare, such as most dental, vision, or hearing needs. Many states offer standardized Medigap plans, where plans with the same letter designation provide identical benefits.

Medicare Advantage offers a bundled approach, combining Part A, Part B, and often Part D benefits into a single plan. These plans typically include an annual out-of-pocket maximum and may offer additional perks like dental, vision, hearing, and transportation. However, the availability of certain extra benefits, such as over-the-counter allowances, has recently declined.

To manage costs effectively, beneficiaries are encouraged to review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and utilize the Annual Election Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, to compare plan changes and coverage options.