CMS Releases Medicare Part D Premiums and Bids for 2026

CMS just released the 2026 Medicare Part D base beneficiary premium (set at $38.99) alongside new parameters for the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, now in its second year.

What’s changing in 2026?

• A smaller $10 uniform premium reduction (down from $15 in 2025)
• A higher cap on year-over-year premium increases (now $50)
• Return to standard risk corridors, ending the narrower protections introduced in 2025 

The demonstration continues to be voluntary and nationwide.

At Vega Economics, we’re closely following how policy. Let us know if you'd like to explore how these updates might affect plan strategy, modeling, or litigation risk.

The fact sheet is available here.