Beginning in 2026, Cigna’s Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans will be rebranded under the HealthSpring name following the acquisition of Cigna’s Medicare business by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). This transition means that all current and future Cigna Medicare members will now see their plans listed as HealthSpring. While much of the plan structure will remain similar, there are several key updates for 2026 that beneficiaries should know about.
Key Plan and Cost Changes for 2026
Premium Increases:
The national average monthly premium for Medicare Part D is expected to increase in 2026. Members may see higher monthly costs compared to last year, depending on their selected plan.
Higher Deductible:
The maximum Part D deductible will increase from $590 in 2025 to $615 in 2026. A small but important change that could impact your out-of-pocket costs early in the year.
Part D Plans Change Every Year for Every Carrier:
Part D plans are changing every year. Open Enrollment is a great opportunity to review your current prescriptions and ask a broker what plan is a good fit for your drug needs.
Enrollment and Next Steps
Annual Open Enrollment runs from October 15th through December 7th, 2025, for 2026 coverage. During this time, you can review the new HealthSpring options, compare costs, and ensure your preferred pharmacy and medications are covered.
If you currently have a Cigna plan, you’ll automatically transition to a HealthSpring plan in 2026 but it’s still smart to confirm that your plan remains a good fit. Part D Plans change benefits every year. This is a great opportunity to review your needs and make sure you are on the best priced plan for your medications.
HealthyMarks Can Help
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your coverage, or you want help comparing HealthSpring plans with other Medicare options, HealthyMarks can help you review your choices and find the best fit for 2026.
Keaton Marks is the owner and CEO at HealthyMarks including the medicare team. Keaton was born and raised in Encinitas. He often rode his bike through town and to the local beaches like Moonlight. Keaton knows it is important to have a local resource, someone who understands the area, the hospitals and networks of doctors. Keaton is proud to be a local Medicare broker who is able to assist the people in his town when selecting medicare plans.
Keaton believes one thing above all else: “Medicare is confusing… but it doesn’t have to be! That is where HealthyMarks Medicare comes in” Please contact me with any questions.
I’m confused on the rebranding of cigna advantage plans. I get mail from Cigna stating if i don’t re enroll in health spring I will only have original Medicare coverage. I talked to health spring agent and they stated I don’t have to enroll. My coverage will automatically roll over to health spring. Which is it????
I understand the confusion. If a Cigna plan is still being offered next year under the name HealthSpring, you will automatically be re-enrolled into your current plan. However, if the Cigna plan is being discontinued next year, you’ll need to find a new plan. It sounds like you’ve received a letter from Cigna stating your current plan is not available next year. You will need to find a new plan. Let me know if I can help.
I would like to know the new healthspring increase in supplemental premiums. Getting automatically enrolled is fine but they’re not telling me what supplemental premium is? What is the increase? Isn’t it normal to tell you what you’re paying before you pay? How do I compare with other plans?
Hi Dean, I suggest you have a conversation with someone on our HealthyMarks Medicare team. Supplement Plans have the same benefit structure no matter which insurance carrier you select. However, the pricing changes dramatically depending on which insurance carrier you have. Our team can share with you the best priced Supplement Plans… but we aren’t allowed to do so through website comments! Let me know when you are free to chat and our team can help you. Thanks!
I got letter too stating my Cigna Part D coverage ends Dec. 31 2925. There is nothing in letter stating I will be automatically be covered by HealthSpring next year. Can I apply for HealthSpring?
Hi Mary, What a strange letter you received from Cigna! I think the best thing to do is evaluate some other Part D options. From our experience, the best Part D plan changes every year and this is a good opportunity to see if there are better Part D plans compared to what HealthSpring is offering. Let me know if you need help.
Hello, Keaton. I don’t see information in their materials about plan options, only Healthspring Assurance Rx PDP. Husband and I had different plans with Cigna because he takes many medications to my two. There was an $80 difference between his monthly premium and mine. Are there multiple plan options to choose from based on our separate needs? We were enrolled in Express Scripts with Cigna.
Hi Linda, Great question. Yes, there are different Part D plans (PDP) for different prescription needs. If you are taking no prescriptions or just generic prescriptions, there are PDP plans that are quite inexpensive. And if you have more specific and expensive drugs, you’ll likely need a plan that is more expensive so you can get that drug covered. I am unable to share specific plan details on this website but I’d be happy to share with you more details if you reach out! Thank you.
I take only two medications, but my husband takes 10. Big difference. We had two different plans on Cigna. I would like your counsel on closing which Healthspring plan(s) would be most cost efficient for us .I had Cigna Saver Rx (PDP and hubby had Cigna Extra Rx (PDP) Running out of time here. I am 82 and hubby is 83. This is a lot to contemplate!
Hi Linda, I’ve sent you an email so we can start the conversation. Happy to help!
I am changing drug plans in 2026. Who do I contact at Health Spring to cancel coverage for 2026?
You should call the number on the back of your card.
If you cannot find that number, try this one I found on the HealthSpring website:
“Medicare Prescription Drug plan member: 1-800-222-6700”
HealthSpring did not practice good customer service in taking over Cigna Medicare D plan. I had no idea of the change until I received my bill from them. I thought it was a mistake since I never signed up with HealthSpring. Now I’m stuck with paying an extra $50 per month for premium for a basic prescription plan. Not happy! I will not sign up with them even if they have the least expensive plan.
I’ve heard a lot of similar frustrations towards Cigna and HealthSpring in the past weeks. I wish there was a way I could help but Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment has passed. I’m sorry there isn’t more I can do. I am not part of Cigna or HealthSpring – I am a broker. You are on our HealthyMarks Medicare broker website.
Same thing with me. Somehow I went from the RX Saver plan to the Extra Plan at $50/mo more.
This was a certainly one of those years where a lot of Part D Prescription Drug Plans changed. Unfortunately we’ve missed the window to change plans. I suggest you make a note in your calendar to take a close look at your options next Medicare Annual Open Enrollment starting October 15 2026.
Can we just cancel the drug plan because they raised the rates so much?
YES! Absolutely! This is something you should absolutely consider. Without a Part D Plan, you could use SmartRX Coupons to pay for your prescription drugs at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for help. Be aware! You will receive a penalty for not have coverage during this year. So when you enroll in a Part D Plan next October Annual Enrollment, your monthly premium will include a small penalty. I believe the 11 months penalty would be $4.29 per month.