Confused About the Medicare Changes Coming in 2026?

Carol, a retired teacher in Beaverton, opened her Medicare Advantage renewal letter last month and didn’t recognize a single plan name on the list. Her old plan wasn’t being offered anymore, and nobody had explained why. She spent a weekend online trying to compare new options before giving up and calling her daughter for help.

Down the road, Frank spent an hour on hold with his insurance company trying to figure out if his Oregon Health Plan benefits would still cover his Part B premium next year — only to be told the rules were “still being finalized.” He hung up more confused than when he called.

If either of these sounds familiar, you’re right on time. This is exactly the kind of confusion so many Oregonians 65 and older are running into this year: fewer Medicare Advantage options in some areas, shifting Oregon Health Plan renewal rules, and insurer letters that raise more questions than they answer. Add in Annual Enrollment Period deadlines, and it’s easy to feel like you’re guessing instead of deciding.

You don’t have to sort it out alone, and you don’t have to make any decisions on the spot.