-- Prescott, Arizona — September 29, 2025 — As the 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shows millions of beneficiaries will face fewer plan choices this fall. According to the CMS Landscape files, Medicare Advantage (MA/MAPD) and stand-alone Part D prescription drug (PDP) plans have declined by more than 10% compared to last year.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs), designed for people with specific health conditions or who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, were the only category to see modest growth. But for most seniors, the data signals a more limited selection of coverage options.
“Based on the CMS 2026 Landscape data I’m analyzing, we’re seeing more than a 10% decline in Medicare Advantage and Part D plan offerings compared to last year,” said David Bynon, Medicare Data Analyst. “Special Needs Plans are the one area that actually grew slightly, but for most beneficiaries, it means fewer local choices this fall.”
New Medicare.gov Tools Help Consumers Navigate Fewer Choices
As plan options tighten, Medicare.gov is rolling out upgrades to help beneficiaries avoid surprises and pick plans more confidently. For 2026, the Medicare Plan Finder will, for the first time, include provider directory data so users can directly see whether their doctors are in-network without leaving the tool.
The system is also expanding how supplemental benefits are displayed — showing in-/out-of-network costs, authorization requirements, and benefit limits. CMS has partnered with SunFireMatrix to source and integrate provider data from participating insurers, giving beneficiaries a clearer picture of which plans their preferred doctors accept.
Medicare.org Adds Independent Insights
Complementing these government upgrades, Medicare.org has introduced its own Plan Finder feature that highlights the top plans in each county by enrollment size. This new view helps seniors quickly identify the most popular choices in their community, providing an additional signal of stability and satisfaction at a time when overall plan offerings are shrinking.
Together, the tools from Medicare.gov and Medicare.org give beneficiaries a stronger foundation for making informed decisions during AEP.
Medicare Eligibility Remains Unchanged
Plan cancellations do not affect Medicare eligibility. As Medical News Today explains, most people qualify for Medicare at age 65, with others qualifying earlier due to disability or serious health conditions. According to Medicare.org, eligibility rules also extend to spouses based on work history. Beneficiaries impacted by plan discontinuations remain eligible for Medicare and can review options using the official Medicare.gov Plan Finder to select a new plan available in their area.
About Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov is the official U.S. government website for Medicare. Operated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), it provides authoritative information on Medicare eligibility, coverage, costs, and plan comparisons, including the Medicare Plan Finder tool used by millions of beneficiaries each year.
About Medicare.org
Medicare.org is an independent resource for seniors and caregivers seeking clear, unbiased information about Medicare. The site provides plan comparison tools, guides, and expert insights to help beneficiaries make informed decisions about their health coverage.
Contact Info:
Name: David Bynon
Email: Send Email
Organization: David Bynon
Address: 101 W Goodwin St # 2487, Prescott, Arizona 86303, United States
Website: https://davidbynon.com
Release ID: 89171035