Worried about how your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan will look in 2026? You’re not alone. CMS just released the official updates, and while the average Medicare Advantage premium is projected to dip slightly, UHC’s 2026 plans bring new changes in costs, benefits, and coverage details that every member needs to review carefully.
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare broker serving seniors across Orange County and beyond. We make sense of these updates, compare UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage options, and ensure you stay protected with the plan that fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget in 2026.
What’s Changing in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage for 2026?
UnitedHealthcare is adjusting both premiums and benefits for 2026.
- Average premium: Slight decrease across UHC MA plans, but varies by county and product.
- Part D deductible: $615 (up $25 from 2025).
- Prescription drug cap: $2,100 annual maximum out-of-pocket on covered drugs — after that, costs drop to $0.
- Supplemental benefits: Some extra perks like transportation and certain alternative therapies are being reduced or removed, while core dental/vision may have stricter limits.
How Do 2026 UHC Benefits Compare to 2025?
Members will notice shifts in the extras:
- Dental benefits: Still available, but with lower annual allowances in some HMO plans.
- Vision coverage: Reduced in certain products, with smaller hardware allowances.
- Transportation & fitness perks: No longer included in some plans.
- Network strength: PPO options remain for those who want flexibility with out-of-network providers.
The biggest takeaway? If you relied heavily on “extra” benefits like vision hardware or transportation, you’ll need to double-check whether your 2026 plan still covers them.
Who Will Feel the Biggest Impact from 2026 Changes?
- Current UHC HMO members who used expanded dental and vision benefits may see higher out-of-pocket costs.
- New enrollees may see lower premiums, but plan availability is slightly reduced (fewer plan choices vs 2025).
How to Review Your UnitedHealthcare Plan for 2026
Here’s what you should do before Open Enrollment:
- Check your doctors and prescriptions: Use Medicare’s Plan Finder or request a side-by-side review from Skyline Benefit.
- Compare your plan’s costs and benefits: Don’t assume your current plan is still the best fit.
- Act during Open Enrollment: The 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, 2025.
Need Help Reviewing Your 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Options?
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare broker that helps seniors review UnitedHealthcare’s 2026 Medicare Advantage updates, compare costs and benefits, and make smart enrollment choices. We work for you — not the carriers — to ensure your coverage fits your health and financial needs.
Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112