Learn what’s changing in Medicare Advantage for 2027, including Star Ratings, prescription drug coverage, supplemental benefits, enrollment rules, plan updates, eligibility requirements, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, out of pocket costs, benefits, care coordination, and important considerations for reviewing updated plan information and understanding potential changes to healthcare coverage.
Medicare Advantage is changing in several ways for 2027 as CMS updates program rules, prescription drug coverage, quality measurements, supplemental benefits, and enrollment processes. Some changes affect how plans administer benefits, while others may influence how beneficiaries review coverage. CMS is also codifying several Medicare Part D provisions connected to the Inflation Reduction Act. Individual Medicare Advantage plans can still differ in premiums, provider networks, covered services, drug formularies, and supplemental benefits. This guide explains major 2027 changes, what beneficiaries can review, and where to find official information. It is provided for general educational purposes only and is not insurance sales or enrollment advice.
Medicare Advantage plans provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage through Medicare approved private plans. For 2027, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized several policy changes affecting Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. These updates include changes to Star Ratings, supplemental benefits, prescription drug coverage, and certain administrative requirements.
One significant area of change for 2027 is the Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings system. CMS is removing 11 measures that focus on administrative processes or areas where there is limited variation between plans. CMS is also adding a Part C Depression Screening and Follow Up measure beginning with the 2027 measurement year and 2029 Star Ratings.
Key points include:
Several Part D provisions connected to the Inflation Reduction Act are being codified for 2027 and later years. CMS states that the coverage gap phase will be eliminated, the annual out of pocket threshold will be reduced, and cost sharing in the catastrophic phase will be removed.
Beneficiaries reviewing prescription coverage can look at:
The exact coverage details can vary between individual Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D.
CMS is also changing certain rules for Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill and other supplemental benefits. Plans will have additional requirements concerning eligibility criteria and transparency. CMS is requiring plans to publicly post their plan developed eligibility criteria for certain SSBCI benefits.
Other changes include rules for benefit debit cards. CMS is finalizing requirements intended to connect these cards electronically with plan covered items and services and to limit the cards to the applicable plan year.
CMS has also updated enrollment and disenrollment guidance for 2027. The agency released updated MA and Part D enrollment guidance on August 25, 2026, with the new guidance applying to requests received on or after January 1, 2027.
When reviewing enrollment information, beneficiaries can check:
CMS finalized the 2027 Medicare Advantage payment policies with a projected average increase of 2.48% in payments to MA plans. This figure concerns payments made to Medicare Advantage plans and should not be interpreted as a specific increase or decrease in what an individual beneficiary will pay.
Individual plan premiums and other expenses can depend on factors such as the plan, location, benefits, and coverage rules.
Because plan benefits can vary, beneficiaries can review their individual plan information before the 2027 plan year. Useful areas to examine include:
Comparing these details with personal healthcare and prescription needs can provide a clearer understanding of how a particular plan may differ from another.
CMS publishes official Medicare Advantage rules, payment information, and enrollment guidance. Beneficiaries can also use Medicare's official resources to review plan information applicable to their location.
When researching 2027 changes, it is useful to distinguish nationwide policy changes from benefits that are specific to individual plans. A change to Medicare Advantage rules does not necessarily mean every plan will add or remove the same benefits.