CHICAGO — As the deadline to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan approaches, understanding your options is crucial. For those with Medicare or assisting loved ones eligible for it, the annual enrollment period, which runs until December 7, is an opportunity to select the most suitable Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2026.

Navigating the plethora of options can be daunting, but Jeremy Gaskill, Illinois Medicare president at Humana, offers valuable advice on how to effectively research and select a plan that meets your needs.

Medicare provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, or younger individuals who qualify due to a disability. It consists of two main types: Original Medicare, a government-provided plan covering medical expenses and doctor visits, and Medicare Advantage, offered by private insurers like Humana. Medicare Advantage covers everything included in Original Medicare, with potential additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing care.

What is Medicare and what should people know about selecting a plan for 2026?

One of the advantages of Medicare Advantage plans is the cap on out-of-pocket medical expenses, ensuring you never exceed a predetermined amount for covered services, including doctor visits and emergency care. These plans also grant access to extensive networks of healthcare providers and pharmacies. Some even offer incentives for engaging in healthy activities, such as completing preventive screenings. This predictability in costs and benefits allows members to plan their healthcare confidently.

What other benefits come with a Medicare Advantage plan?

Primary care plays a vital role in maintaining health, providing regular checkups, managing chronic conditions, and fostering a relationship with a provider familiar with your medical history. However, a recent survey found that over half of individuals aged 65 and over are not regularly visiting a primary care provider. Routine checkups and preventive screenings are essential for sustaining long-term health and independence. Regular visits enable access to critical preventive and diagnostic screenings, including those for breast cancer, colorectal health, and bone density.

How do primary care and preventive care fit into a Medicare Advantage plan?

Primary care is the foundation of good health – it’s where you get regular checkups, manage ongoing health issues and build a relationship with a provider who understands you and your health history. Despite its importance, a recent survey revealed that more than half of those aged 65 and over are not regularly seeing a primary care provider. Regular checkups and preventive screenings are critical to helping maintain long-term wellness and stay independent for as long as possible. With regular checkups you can get key preventive and diagnostic screenings, such as breast, colorectal and bone density.

What are Dual Eligible Special Needs plans, and who qualifies for them?

Dual-eligible means you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. That’s where D-SNPs, or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, come in. These are Medicare Advantage plans designed specifically for people with both types of coverage. D-SNPs help coordinate benefits under one plan, making it easier to manage care. These plans often include extra support with things like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing and help paying for covered over-the-counter items like vitamins, pain relievers and first aid supplies.*Some D-SNP plans also offer support with groceries, utilities, rent and more if you have an eligible chronic condition that meets certain criteria.

Between now and Dec. 7, it is essential that you carefully review your options and consider what makes the most sense for you, your lifestyle and your healthcare needs, so you can enter 2026 with confidence and focus on living life to the fullest.

For more information, visit Humana.com/Dual.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization. Humana is also a Dual Eligible Special Needs HMO SNP, PPO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

*This spending allowance is a special program for members with specific health conditions. Qualifying conditions include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions and other requirements apply. See the plan’s Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income if you seek assistance. Contact your local HUD office if you have questions. Y0040_ GHHMVBAEN _M