The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced significant enhancements to Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) and Medicare.gov starting in Contract Year (CY) 2026. These changes are designed to make the enrollment process clearer, more accurate, and more user-friendly — which directly impacts how you’ll be guiding your clients.
Key Enhancements You’ll Want to Know
1. Provider Directory Integration
Up until now, beneficiaries couldn’t see whether their doctors or hospitals were in-network without visiting each plan’s website. Starting CY 2026, that changes.
- MA provider data will be built directly into Medicare.gov.
- Beneficiaries will be able to search provider names right inside MPF.
- Plans not providing data will only have a link out to their directory (less convenient for clients).
Broker takeaway: Clients will now expect provider search to be part of the plan comparison process. Be prepared to walk them through what’s included — and what’s missing — depending on the carrier.
2. More Detailed Supplemental Benefit Displays
Currently, MPF only shows “some coverage/no coverage” for supplemental benefits. Beginning October 1, 2025, the display will include:
- In-network vs. out-of-network cost sharing
- Authorization requirements
- Benefit limits
Plus, six new benefit categories will be added:
- Wigs for chemo-related hair loss
- Weight management programs
- Home-based palliative care
- Re-admission prevention
- Post-discharge in-home medication reconciliation
- Adult day health services
Broker takeaway: This upgrade helps you better highlight the real value of a plan’s “extras” — especially when comparing options side by side.
3. AI-Powered Drug Search
CMS is rolling out an AI-driven drug search tool on Medicare.gov to make it easier for beneficiaries to look up their prescriptions and compare coverage.
Broker takeaway: Expect clients to bring more targeted questions about drug coverage — and be ready to use this tool alongside them during reviews.
Compliance & Plan Responsibilities
These updates aren’t just window dressing — they come with rules for carriers:
- MA organizations must submit provider directory data in CMS’s required format.
- Updates must be made within 30 days of changes.
- Plans must attest annually to data accuracy.
Broker takeaway: Carriers are now on the hook for more frequent updates, which should mean better accuracy for you and your clients — but there may be bumps early on.
Why This Matters for You
- Transparency: Clients will finally see provider networks directly in MPF.
- Accuracy: Plans must keep their data current, reducing surprises.
- Client Protection: If a client enrolls based on incorrect MPF data, CMS will allow an extended switch window in 2026.
- Tools: Expanded benefits display and the AI drug search will change how clients approach plan comparisons.
Bottom Line
These CY 2026 updates represent a major step forward in transparency and usability. For brokers, it means:
- Staying on top of provider data accuracy during the transition
- Using MPF’s new features as part of client education
- Positioning yourself as the trusted guide who understands how to navigate these changes