Great news for agents—2026 is shaping up to be a standout year, with some of the highest Medicare commissions we’ve seen in recent history!
2026 Medicare Commission Rates: Part D & Medicare Advantage
Part D Plan Commissions
Under CMS guidelines for 2026, agent compensation for Medicare Part D plans is on the rise:
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Initial commissions are increasing from $109 to $114 per member annually — a 4.6% year-over-year (YOY) increase.
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Renewal commissions will rise from $55 to $57 per member annually, marking a 3.6% YOY increase.
Medicare Advantage Plan Commissions
Commission rates for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2026 vary by region. Here’s the breakdown:
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Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.:
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Initial commissions: Jumping from $705 to $781 per member annually (10.8% increase)
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Renewals: Rising from $353 to $391 per member annually (10.8% increase)
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California and New Jersey:
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Initial commissions: Increasing from $780 to $864 per member annually (10.8% increase)
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Renewals: Going up from $390 to $432 per member annually (10.8% increase)
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Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
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Initial commissions: Growing from $428 to $474 per member annually (10.7% increase)
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Renewals: Moving from $214 to $237 per member annually (10.7% increase)
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All other states:
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Initial commissions: Increasing from $626 to $694 per member annually (10.9% increase)
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Renewals: Rising from $313 to $347 per member annually (10.9% increase)
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MA & PDP Maximum Broker Compensation for 2026
| Initial | Renewal | ||||||
| Product | Region | 2025 | 2026 | % | 2025 | 2026 | % |
| MAPD | National | $626 | $694 | 10.9% | $313 | $347 | 10.9% |
| CT, PA, DC | $705 | $781 | 10.8% | $353 | $391 | 10.8% | |
| CA, NJ | $780 | $864 | 10.8% | $390 | $432 | 10.8% | |
| Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands | $428 | $474 | 10.7% | $214 | $237 | 10.7% | |
| PDP | National | $109 | $114 | 4.6% | $55 | $57 | 3.6% |
The figures in this chart are sourced directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
(For context, Medicare Advantage commission increases in 2025 ranged between 2.29% and 2.45%.)
What’s New with Medicare Broker Commissions in 2026?
The 2026 updates bring the most significant increase in Medicare Advantage (MA) broker commissions we’ve seen in years—great news for agents actively selling and renewing these plans. With higher compensation comes greater accountability. Agents are expected to demonstrate strong product knowledge, which is maintained through mandatory annual training such as AHIP or NABIP certification.
Submitting Compensation Rates for 2026
CMS requires organizations to maintain complete documentation showing they’ve updated their broker compensation schedules in alignment with CMS guidelines and that agents are being paid accordingly.
When submitting compensation details for 2026, organizations must also indicate whether they plan to work with employed, captive, or independent agents or brokers. They must report the exact rates that will be paid to independent brokers and agents for the upcoming plan year.
Additionally, any referral fees paid must be disclosed. For 2026, referral fee amounts remain unchanged:
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$100 for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans
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$25 for Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs)
ABC vs. HHS: Medicare Broker Commissions Lawsuit
In 2024, Americans for Beneficiary Choice (ABC) and the Council for Medicare Choice (CMC) filed separate lawsuits against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to changes introduced in the 2025 Medicare Final Rule regarding broker compensation. On July 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a stay, pausing the implementation of those changes until the case is resolved. As of now, there have been no further developments.
While the stay remains in effect, the commission rules in place prior to the 2025 Final Rule will continue to govern broker compensation for the 2026 plan year. We’ll keep you updated on any new developments.
Looking Ahead
The increase in initial and renewal commissions for 2026 is certainly welcome news. Still, we encourage you to look beyond the numbers and remain focused on what matters most—providing exceptional service and support to your clients.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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