Growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment slows down Enrollment grew 3% in 2026 compared to an average of 9% from 2007-2024
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:41 AM CST, Wed February 25, 2026
WASHINGTON – Total Medicare Advantage enrollment continued to increase in 2026, but at a slower rate of growth than in previous years, according to a KFF analysis of enrollment data provided by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Feb. 13.
Just more than 35 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage as of Feb. 1, 2026, an increase of 1.1 million people since February 2025, representing 3% growth year over year. In 2025, enrollment increased 4%, which was a slower rate of growth than any year between 2007 and 2024, a period when enrollment increased, on average, 9% a year.
According to KFF:
The increase in 2026 was largely driven by increased enrollment in SNPs. Decisions made by insurers to expand SNP offerings have translated into enrollment growth in that segment. Enrollment in individual plans increased, but more slowly than in any year between 2007 and 2025. Changes in enrollment varied across the private insurers that sponsor Medicare Advantage plans, with some plans experiencing more rapid growth, while others saw a drop in enrollment.
In 2026, the average Medicare beneficiary can choose from among 32 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, most of which have no premium (other than the standard Part B premium), and the vast majority offer dental, vision and hearing benefits, in addition to reduced cost sharing, compared to traditional Medicare, KFF says.
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