Who this is for: Georgia Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and anyone turning 65 in 2026.
The big picture!
- Benefits and premiums are generally stable for 2026, but some carriers are trimming counties or plans.
- Part D drug costs keep improving under the new rules: there’s a defined deductible and a firm yearly out-of-pocket cap.
- Part B premium: The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is increasing from $185. The final 2026 amount is set each fall and will show up on your Social Security letter (or your December bill if you pay directly). If your income is higher, an IRMAA surcharge may apply.
- Georgia-specific note: Expect fewer brand-new D-SNPs (Medicare + Medicaid) because the state is limiting new contracts while it updates its program. Most dual plans you’ll see are from carriers already here.
Georgia carriers at a glance (what it means for you)
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- What we’re seeing: UHC is tightening where it offers plans and is adding referrals for most HMO/HMO-POS plans in 2026.
- If you have UHC: Check your county to make sure your plan still exists. If you’re on an HMO/HMO-POS, ask your primary doctor how referrals will work for you next year.
Humana
- What we’re seeing: Broad Georgia coverage with a focus on steady benefits and simplified plan choices.
- If you have Humana: Review your drugs and doctors—keep your plan if it still fits; compare if your meds or providers changed.
Aetna (CVS Health)
- What we’re seeing: Smaller footprint than last year in select counties nationwide.
- If you have Aetna: Read your ANOC letter. If your plan is leaving your county, you’ll need to choose a new one for January 1.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (Elevance)
- What we’re seeing: No standalone Part D (PDP) from Anthem in 2026. MA and D-SNP options continue in many Georgia counties.
- If you have an Anthem PDP: You must pick a new Part D plan for 2026. If you’re on an Anthem MA-PD, compare benefits and stay if it still fits.
Wellcare (Centene)
- What we’re seeing: Part D lineup is simplified; many members will be moved from one Wellcare PDP to another. MA options remain across Georgia.
- If you have Wellcare PDP: Re-check your medication list and pharmacy to make sure your copays still make sense.
Kaiser Permanente Georgia
- What we’re seeing: Integrated HMO/HMO-POS model continues in metro Atlanta with updated 2026 benefits.
- If you have Kaiser: Review your Summary of Benefits for any copay or prior-authorization changes.
Devoted Health
- What we’re seeing: Continued growth in Georgia with county-specific PPO and Giveback options.
- If you have Devoted: Make sure your doctors and drugs line up; PPOs can be attractive if you want more flexibility.
HealthSpring (formerly Cigna Medicare, now part of HCSC)
- What we’re seeing: New brand name on member materials, with Georgia HMOs active in metro areas.
- If you had Cigna Medicare: Expect HealthSpring branding for 2026. Compare benefits just as you would any other plan.
CareSource (D-SNP)
- What we’re seeing: Ongoing D-SNP presence in Georgia with common extras like dental, vision, rides, and OTC.
- If you’re dual-eligible: Compare CareSource alongside Anthem, Devoted, and Wellcare; pick based on your doctors, meds, and extras you’ll actually use.
Your simple action plan (Georgia)
1) Check your county first.
Some carriers trimmed where they offer plans. Make sure your plan is still available in your county for 2026.
2) Read your ANOC.
Your “Annual Notice of Change” explains exactly what’s changing: premiums, copays, dental, over-the-counter allowances, and drug lists.
3) Re-run your medications.
Even small changes in formularies or preferred pharmacies can change your costs. If your drug moved tiers—or your pharmacy is no longer preferred—compare plans.
4) Confirm your doctors and hospitals.
Provider networks move every year. If you must use a specific doctor or system, confirm they’re still in network for 2026.
5) Plan for the higher Part B premium.
Since Part B is rising from $185, adjust your monthly budget now. If you receive Social Security, the premium is usually deducted automatically. If you pay directly, watch your December bill. If your income is higher, check whether IRMAA applies so there are no surprises.
6) Pay attention to referrals and authorizations.
If your plan starts requiring referrals (common on HMOs), confirm how to get them so your specialist visits aren’t delayed.
7) If your plan is leaving your county:
You need to pick a new plan that starts January 1. Don’t wait—compare options now so you keep your doctors and control your drug costs.
8) Key dates:
- AEP: October 15 – December 7
- Coverage start: January 1, 2026
Who should consider switching?
- Your plan isn’t offered in your county for 2026.
- Your doctor or hospital is leaving the network.
- Your medications changed tiers or prior-authorization rules.
- You want a different plan type (HMO ↔ PPO) or a specific D-SNP fit.
- You want benefits your current plan doesn’t include (for example: dental funds, OTC, flex cards, or a gym benefit you’ll actually use).
What to bring to your review
- Medicare card (and Medicaid card, if applicable)
- List of doctors and preferred hospitals
- List of medications with dosages and how often you take them
- Preferred pharmacy (and a backup)
- Your must-have benefits (dental amount, eyewear, rides, OTC, etc.)
- Your most recent Social Security letter or premium notice showing your 2026 Part B amount
Need help comparing?
Speak with a licensed Georgia agent for a free, no-pressure review. We’ll narrow options by county, doctors, drugs, and budget, then handle the enrollment if you decide to switch.
Call or schedule an appointment to speak with a licenced agent
Medicarefor65.com is an independent educational resource. Benefits vary by county and year. Always use your 2026 plan documents to make final decisions.
