Medicare Advantage changes for 2027 include updates to plan quality ratings, supplemental benefit rules, enrollment guidance, and Part D protections. This guide explains key policy changes, what beneficiaries may notice, how supplemental benefits are administered, and why reviewing plan details is important before choosing coverage for the 2027 plan year.
Medicare Advantage plans are subject to several policy changes for 2027. CMS has finalized updates involving Star Ratings, supplemental benefits, enrollment procedures, and prescription drug coverage. New rules clarify how certain supplemental benefits are administered and how eligibility criteria are communicated. Part D provisions are also being codified following changes introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act. Beneficiaries may notice differences in plan offerings, benefit administration, and enrollment information. Because Medicare Advantage benefits and networks vary by plan and location, reviewing the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage can help beneficiaries understand what will apply during 2027 plan year.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, will have several regulatory and operational changes for 2027. CMS has finalized policies designed to update quality measurement, clarify supplemental benefit administration, and streamline certain enrollment requirements. These changes apply to Medicare Advantage organizations and can affect how beneficiaries compare and use their plans.
Key areas include:
CMS is changing aspects of the Star Ratings system used to evaluate Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. For 2027 Star Ratings, CMS is not implementing the Excellent Health Outcomes for All reward and is continuing the historical reward factor. CMS is also removing several administrative measures and adding a depression screening and follow-up measure for the 2027 measurement year.
These changes are intended to place greater emphasis on meaningful differences in:
Supplemental benefits can vary considerably between Medicare Advantage plans. For 2027, CMS is strengthening requirements around Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill, including clearer eligibility requirements and greater transparency about plan-developed eligibility criteria. Plans will be required to publicly post their SSBCI eligibility criteria.
CMS is also clarifying how debit cards may be used to administer certain supplemental benefits. The cards must be electronically connected to covered items and services through a mechanism that verifies eligibility at the point of purchase, and the cards are limited to the applicable plan year.
Several Part D provisions resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act are being formally incorporated into the 2027 regulations. CMS says the changes include eliminating the coverage gap phase, establishing a reduced annual out-of-pocket threshold, and removing cost sharing during the catastrophic phase.
Beneficiaries should therefore review their prescription coverage carefully because formularies, pharmacies, utilization rules, and other plan features can vary.
CMS released updated Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment and disenrollment guidance in August 2026. The updated guidance applies to requests received beginning January 1, 2027, while plans may optionally use certain updated guidance for Annual Enrollment Period enrollments effective January 1, 2027.
Before selecting or changing coverage, beneficiaries can review:
Medicare Advantage plans can differ by location, provider network, covered services, and supplemental benefits. Federal policy changes establish requirements, but they do not mean every plan will offer identical benefits.For 2027, comparing the specific plan documents available in a beneficiary's service area can help clarify which benefits, providers, medications, and coverage rules apply.
Medicare Advantage changes for 2027 include updates to Star Ratings, supplemental benefit administration, enrollment guidance, and prescription drug coverage. CMS has also introduced additional transparency requirements for certain supplemental benefits. Since plan details can differ, reviewing official 2027 plan information remains an important step for beneficiaries evaluating their Medicare coverage.