Explore Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027 with this informational guide covering eligibility, enrollment periods, plan features, Star Ratings, prescription coverage, and important CMS changes. Learn what beneficiaries should review when comparing available plans, including provider networks, covered services, medications, benefits, and plan rules before making coverage decisions.
Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is an alternative way to receive Medicare coverage. Eligible individuals generally need Medicare Part A and Part B and must live within the service area of the plan they want to join.
Plans can differ significantly depending on location and insurer. Common areas to review include:
Hospital and medical coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Provider and facility networks
Primary care and specialist access
Additional benefits offered by individual plans
Rules for referrals and prior authorization
CMS finalized the Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D rule in April 2026. The changes include updates to Star Ratings and certain enrollment processes. CMS also finalized modifications to the quality-measure system used to evaluate plans.
Important changes include:
Adjustments to the 2027 Star Ratings methodology
Removal of several administrative measures
Addition of a Part C depression screening and follow-up measure for the 2027 measurement year
Changes related to contract consolidations
Updated enrollment and disenrollment guidance
These changes are intended to place greater emphasis on clinical outcomes, patient experience, and meaningful differences in plan performance.
Beneficiaries reviewing coverage for 2027 can compare several aspects of a plan rather than focusing on a single feature. Available plans and benefits vary by location.
Consider reviewing:
Whether preferred doctors participate in the network
Whether regular medications are covered
Which pharmacies are included
Whether hospitals and specialists are in network
Referral or authorization requirements
Covered preventive and supplemental services
The plan's Medicare Star Rating
CMS publishes Medicare Advantage performance and Star Ratings information to help beneficiaries and others evaluate plan quality.
CMS has released updated Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment and disenrollment guidance for 2027. Individuals generally need Medicare Part A and Part B, live within the plan's service area, and submit an enrollment request during an applicable election period.
The main enrollment opportunities include:
Initial Coverage Election Period
Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Special Enrollment Periods when applicable
Other qualifying election periods
Beneficiaries should check the specific requirements and effective dates that apply to their circumstances.
Reviewing an existing Medicare Advantage plan before the new plan year can help beneficiaries understand whether its network, covered medications, benefits, and rules still meet their needs.
Useful steps include:
Review the plan's annual information carefully
Check doctors and healthcare facilities
Review prescription coverage
Examine changes to covered benefits
Check the plan's Star Rating
Compare available plans in the relevant service area
Use official Medicare and CMS information when verifying details
Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027 will operate under updated CMS rules covering quality measurement, enrollment processes, payment policies, and other program requirements. Beneficiaries can review plan networks, prescription coverage, benefits, healthcare providers, and Star Ratings when examining their options. Because Medicare Advantage availability and features vary by location, checking current official Medicare information is important when preparing for 2027 coverage.