The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially released the maximum allowable broker compensation for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D (PDP) plans for Contract Year 2026.
These updated figures apply to agents and agencies contracted to write MA/PDP plans through CMS-approved carriers.
Below is a breakdown of the new maximum rates — including how much they’ve increased over 2025.
🧮 2026 Medicare Advantage Commissions
| Region | Initial Enrollment | Renewal Commission | % Increase from 2025 |
| National Base (most states) | $694 | $347 | ~10.9% |
| CT, PA, DC | $781 | $391 | ~10.8% |
| CA & NJ | $864 | $432 | ~10.8% |
| Puerto Rico & USVI | $474 | $237 | ~10.7% |
Note: These are maximum amounts — actual compensation may vary by carrier and contract level.
💊 2026 PDP (Prescription Drug Plan) Commissions
| Product | Initial Enrollment | Renewal | % Increase from 2025 |
| PDP (All states) | $114 | $57 | Initial: ~4.6% / Renewal: ~3.6% |
🤝 Referral Fees (Unchanged for 2026)
- MA Referral: $100
- PDP Referral: $25
These fees apply when referring a beneficiary to another agent, rather than enrolling them directly.
🔑 Key Takeaways for Agents and Agencies
- National MA commissions rose by $68 per new enrollment (from $626 to $694), marking the second major year-over-year bump in a row.
- Renewals matter more: With an average increase of ~$34 across most states, the renewal income for Medicare Advantage continues to become a significant part of agent compensation.
- Regional differences still apply: Agents in CA, NJ, CT, and PA earn higher caps due to CMS-recognized cost-of-doing-business differences in those areas.
- PDP commissions also went up slightly, although at a much lower rate compared to MA.
⚠️ Compliance Reminder
While these figures are public and sourced directly from CMS guidance, agents must avoid advertising or implying “guaranteed” compensation to consumers or leads.
Final commission payments depend on:
- Carrier contracts
- Compliance with CMS guidelines
- Plan-specific factors
✅ Final Word
These updated 2026 rates are important context for any agent:
- Planning for the next AEP
- Evaluating uplines and carrier contracts
With the MA commission cap nearing $700 nationally, and renewals climbing steadily, long-term book-building has never been more important.
Now is a great time for agents to:
- 🔍 Review their current contracts
- 💸 Compare carrier payouts
- 🧰 Evaluate the strength of their support and retention systems
- 📆 Begin strategizing for a stronger AEP
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