Medicare
Medicare Advantage Plans: 2026 Enrollment Guide
How Medicare Advantage (Part C) works — networks, out-of-pocket caps, drug coverage, and when to talk with a licensed agent.
8 min · Published May 10, 2026 · Updated July 1, 2026
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical, and often drug coverage with an annual out-of-pocket maximum. They use HMO/PPO networks — popular in South Florida, Arizona, and Texas where penetration exceeds 50%.
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum caps total spending
- Often includes Part D prescription drug coverage
- May offer dental, vision, and fitness extras
- Network restrictions apply — verify your doctors
Enrollment windows
Initial enrollment surrounds your 65th birthday. Annual enrollment (AEP) runs October 15–December 7. Medicare Advantage open enrollment (MA OEP) allows one switch January 1–March 31 for existing Advantage members.