Learn about Medicare Advantage plan changes by state for 2027, including benefits, provider networks, prescription coverage, Star Ratings, plan availability, premiums, deductibles, copayments, enrollment periods, eligibility requirements, supplemental benefits, out of pocket costs, and important factors to review when comparing updated Medicare Advantage information across different states and regions.
Medicare Advantage plan changes by state for 2027 can involve differences in available plans, benefits, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, premiums, and service areas. While CMS establishes nationwide Medicare Advantage rules, individual plans determine their benefits and coverage details within approved service areas. New 2027 policies also affect Star Ratings, Part D prescription coverage, supplemental benefits, and enrollment procedures. This guide explains how state and local differences can affect Medicare Advantage coverage, what beneficiaries can review for 2027, and where to find official plan information. It is intended for general educational purposes and does not provide insurance sales or enrollment services.
Medicare Advantage plans follow federal Medicare rules, but the plans available to beneficiaries can differ depending on location. Medicare.gov's 2027 Plan Compare tool uses a beneficiary's ZIP code to identify Medicare health and drug plans available in that area. This means that researching Medicare Advantage plan changes by state requires looking beyond nationwide policy updates and checking the plans offered locally.
CMS establishes the national rules governing Medicare Advantage, but individual plans can have different service areas, provider networks, formularies, premiums, and supplemental benefits. A plan available in one state or county may not be available in another.
Important areas to review include:
Because availability is location based, entering the correct ZIP code when using Medicare's official plan comparison tools is important.
Several Medicare Advantage and Part D changes apply nationally for 2027. CMS finalized updates to the Star Ratings program, including the removal of 11 measures and the addition of a Part C Depression Screening and Follow Up measure beginning with the 2027 measurement year.
Other nationwide changes include:
These federal changes establish a common framework, but they do not mean every Medicare Advantage plan will offer identical benefits.
Medicare Advantage organizations decide which service areas they will offer plans in, subject to Medicare requirements. As a result, beneficiaries in different states can see different combinations of plans and benefits.
When reviewing plans by state, consider:
A statewide search can therefore provide general context, but county and ZIP code information may be more useful for identifying actual plan choices.
Medicare Part D changes are particularly relevant to Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage. CMS finalized provisions for 2027 that codify changes associated with the Inflation Reduction Act, including elimination of the coverage gap phase, a reduced annual out of pocket threshold, and removal of cost sharing in the catastrophic phase.
Beneficiaries can review:
Individual plan documents should be checked because prescription coverage can differ between plans.
A Medicare Advantage plan's benefits can change from one plan year to another. Reviewing the Annual Notice of Change and other official plan materials can help beneficiaries understand changes that affect their coverage.
Useful details to check include:
Medicare.gov's 2027 Plan Compare tool allows users to enter a ZIP code and review available Medicare health and drug plans.
CMS released updated Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment and disenrollment guidance in August 2026. The updated guidance applies to requests received on or after January 1, 2027.
Beneficiaries researching enrollment can review:
Enrollment opportunities can depend on individual circumstances, so official Medicare guidance should be used when checking eligibility.
CMS publishes nationwide Medicare Advantage policies, payment information, and enrollment guidance, while Medicare.gov provides tools for finding plans available in specific areas. CMS's 2027 rate information also includes regional rates and benchmarks, showing that Medicare Advantage payment information can have geographic components.
For 2027 research, it is useful to separate: