10 Medicare Changes Coming in 2026

4. Automatic Renewal via Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)

A new rule for 2026 requires automatic enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) unless you opt out. This allows beneficiaries to spread prescription drug costs (for Part D) over the year.

💡 What you can do:

• Check your 2026 Part D statements to see if you’ve been auto-enrolled.
• Understand how spreading payments affects your monthly cash flow vs. lump sum payments.

5. New Star Rating Adjustments & Quality Incentives

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will face revised Star Ratings and quality incentives under the 2026 final rule.

Plans with higher stars may gain enrollment advantages or special enrollment windows.

💡 What you can do:

• Use Medicare.gov’s plan comparison tool and filter by Star Ratings.
• Look for “5-star special enrollment periods” to switch into high-performing plans.