2026 Medicare Advantage Crackdown: Popular Benefits Cut for Seniors

• Author: Russell Sawayn
• Posted: 2026-01-09

Millions of Medicare Advantage enrollees face major 2026 changes as CMS bans controversial supplemental perks.

Over one-third of Medicare beneficiaries use these private plans, but new rules eliminate coverage for alcohol, cannabis, cosmetic surgery, funeral expenses, and more.

What's Now Banned in Medicare Advantage

CMS tightened SSBCI rules (Special Supplemental Benefits for Chronically Ill), removing:

• Alcohol products and tobacco cessation aids

• Cannabis (even in legal states)

• Cosmetic procedures (facelifts, Botox, collagen treatments)

• Funeral/burial expense coverage

• Hospital indemnity or life insurance cash benefits

• Unhealthy food items

Core coverage stays intact—doctor visits, hospital care, Part D drugs unaffected.

Dental, vision, hearing often remain, but verify your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC).
 

Timeline & Action Steps

• Changes effective January 1, 2026

• Open Enrollment: Oct 15-Dec 7, 2025—compare plans now

• Check Medicare plan finder for alternatives

• Special Enrollment: Jan-Mar 2026 if gaps appear
   

Low-Income Impact

Fixed-income seniors lose niche supports like meal delivery or transport tied to "wellness."

Switch plans preserve essential extras, dental often covers $1,000+ yearly procedures.

Pro Tip: Plans dropping benefits must notify you. Review mailers carefully. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for free plan switching help.

-

You may have access to support you didn’t know about. Find out more here!