medicare.gov/plan-compare 2026 | Getting Started

medicare.gov/plan-compare is the correct, official tool for comparing 2026 Medicare options. Since you are in the middle of Open Enrollment (which ends December 7, 2025), this is the most important website to visit right now.

Here is a guide on how to use Medicare.gov/plan-compare effectively for the 2026 plan year, along with specific things to look for given the new rule changes.

1. Getting Started

When you land on the page, you have two options:

• Log In (Recommended): If you have a MyMedicare.gov account, log in. It will automatically load your current medication list and saved pharmacies, which saves you time and ensures accuracy.

• Continue without logging in: You can still use the tool, but you will have to manually enter your zip code and every prescription drug you take.

2. What to Enter (Crucial for 2026)

Because the “donut hole” is gone and the $2,100 spending cap is in effect for 2026, accurate data entry is more important than ever.

• Zip Code: Plans vary strictly by county.

• Drugs: Enter every medication you take, including the exact dosage and frequency. Formularies (approved drug lists) have changed significantly for 2026.

• Pharmacies: Choose your preferred pharmacy plus one or two others (like a mail-order option or a major chain). Prices can vary drastically between “Preferred” and “Standard” pharmacies in 2026 plans.

Also Read : How Do You Set Up a P2P Payment Account?

3. How to Sort & Filter Results

Once you see the list of plans:

• Sort by “Lowest Drug + Premium Cost”: Do not just look at the monthly premium. A plan with a $0 premium might have much higher drug costs. The “Total Yearly Cost” figure is your best estimator.

• Filter for “Insulin Savings”: If you take insulin, use this filter to ensure you see plans adhering to the $35/month cap.

4. New Features to Watch For

• The $2,100 Cap Indicator: The tool’s math automatically includes the new 2026 Part D out-of-pocket maximum. You shouldn’t see estimated annual drug costs for covered drugs significantly exceeding ~$2,100 (plus your premiums).

• Provider Lookup: Medicare has updated the tool to help you check if your doctors are in-network. This is vital for Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO) plans.

Important Warning

If you simply “renew” your current plan without checking this tool, you might overpay. Insurance companies often change their drug “tiers” annually. A drug that was Tier 2 (cheap) last year might be Tier 3 (expensive) in 2026.