Fewer choices, higher costs: Lots of changes ahead with Medicare in 2026

"In Florida, like many other markets, Medicare Advantage plans are shrinking, shifting and exiting pockets of the state. Some existing Medicare Advantage plans may not be available next year, have higher premiums, or cover fewer doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. "If a doctor or other provider is important to you, do not rely on online directories," Chumbly Hogue said. "Call and ask which plans they are participating in for 2026.""

"In Broward County, SHINE liaison Gloria Ayan said many enrollees in Humana, Care Plus, and AvMed have received notice that their plans will not be available in 2026. Other individuals have received notification that their hospital system and the physicians affiliated with it are no longer in network. The changes are creating a demand for guidance from SHINE, which provides free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries."

"Hospital coverage is a key factor to consider in making your choice. Some Medicare Advantage plans are raising the total out-of-pocket costs for inpatient care at hospitals or increasing the co-pays for hospital stays. "You don't want it to be a surprise if your hospital co-pay increases $75 a day and you're in the hospital for four days," said Louise Norris, a health policy analyst for medicareresources.org. "That's not something you want to find out when you go to the hospital.""

Florida's five million Medicare enrollees will face significant 2026 changes to premiums, deductibles, plan availability, and provider networks. Medicare Advantage plans are shrinking, shifting, and exiting portions of the state, causing some plans to be unavailable, carry higher premiums, or cover fewer doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Beneficiaries should pay close attention to annual notices of change and verify provider plan participation by phone rather than relying on online directories. In Broward County, many Humana, Care Plus, and AvMed enrollees received notices of plan unavailability or provider network losses, prompting SHINE to handle high call volume, including 254 calls last month. Hospital co-pays and inpatient out-of-pocket limits are rising for some plans.

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