Clinical Report: Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends and Updates for 2026

Overview

In 2026, over half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, with significant growth in special needs plans. The increase in enrollment has implications for federal spending, projected to be an additional $76 billion this year.

Background

The Medicare Advantage program has seen a steady rise in enrollment over the past two decades, reflecting a shift in how beneficiaries choose to receive their Medicare benefits. Understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers as they navigate the financial implications and potential changes to payment structures for private plans.

Data Highlights

In 2026, 55% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, totaling approximately 35 million individuals. Enrollment grew by about 1.1 million beneficiaries (3%) from 2025 to 2026.

Key Findings

• 55% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2026.
• 23% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in special needs plans (SNPs), with 85% of the net increase in enrollment from 2025 to 2026 occurring in SNPs.
• 78% of SNP enrollment is in plans for dually eligible individuals (D-SNPs), with chronic condition plans (C-SNPs) seeing a 45% increase in enrollment.
• UnitedHealth Group and Humana account for nearly half of all Medicare Advantage enrollees, with Humana experiencing the largest growth in enrollment.
• Enrollment in individual plans has decreased from 71% in 2010 to 61% in 2026, indicating a shift towards SNPs.

Clinical Implications

The increase in Medicare Advantage enrollment, particularly in SNPs, may affect the availability of supplemental benefits and the choices available to beneficiaries. Policymakers must consider these trends when evaluating payment structures and potential reforms.

Conclusion

The growth of Medicare Advantage enrollment highlights significant shifts in beneficiary preferences and poses challenges for federal spending. Ongoing monitoring of these trends will be essential for future policy decisions.

Related Resources & Content

1. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Medicare Advantage in 2026: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Supplemental Benefits, and Prior Authorization, 2026 -- Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends and Updates for 2026
2. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program Enhance Some Consumer Protections But Roll Back Others, 2026 -- Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends and Updates for 2026
3. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Medicare Advantage Enrollment Grew by About 1 Million People, Mainly Due to Special Needs Plans, 2026 -- Medicare Advantage Enrollment Trends and Updates for 2026
4. Ophthalmology Management — Coding & Reimbursement Recommendations
5. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicare Advantage Out-of-Pocket Limits: Variation and Trends
6. Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-F) | CMS
7. 2026 Star Ratings Fact Sheet
8. CMS Finalizes 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs | CMS
9. Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions | CMS
10. 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement | CMS
11. Key Facts About Medicare Drug Price Negotiation | KFF
12. Postacute Care Use and Outcomes Among Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare Beneficiaries | Health Policy | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
13. Extended Hospital Stays in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare | Health Care Economics, Insurance, Payment | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network
14. March 2026 Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy – MedPAC
15. Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings | KFF
16. Medicare Advantage Enrollment Grew by About 1 Million People, Mainly Due to Special Needs Plans | KFF