Episode
What’s New in the 2026 Medicare Enrollment
- Podcast
- Looking Forward Our Way
- Published
- Oct 6, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3020
- Processing state
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Summary
We welcome back Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group for his sixth visit to the podcast. The focus of this conversation is on the upcoming changes to Medicare enrollment and coverage for 2026, as well as practical advice for those approaching or currently navigating Medicare options. Breaking Down the Medicare Alphabet Soup Josh walks us through the parts of Medicare and why understanding them is so important: Original Medicare includes Part A (hospitalization, generally free) and Part B (outpatient coverage, with a monthly premium). Original Medicare typically covers 80% of approved costs, but there’s no out-of-pocket cap for the leftover 20%. That’s where the choice between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan comes in. Medigap fills in gaps left by Original Medicare—giving simplicity and freedom to see almost any provider accepting Medicare. You add on a Part D drug plan for prescriptions. Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies. The government pays these companies on your behalf, so the advertised zero-premium plans are real—but always remember, your Part B premium still applies. With Advantage, you’re often in an HMO or PPO network, may have to seek pre-approval for some services, and pay more out of pocket if major health issues arise. What’s New for Medicare in 2026? As usual, we’re recording before all federal rules are final, but here’s what we know: Part B premiums are expected to rise by about 11%, reaching an estimated $206.50 monthly. Part D drug plan costs may inch up, mainly as insurers adjust to the new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit (from the Inflation Reduction Act). While deductibles and catastrophic thresholds rise, costs for many drugs, especially for diabetes, are actua…