Medicare plans for 2027 will include Original Medicare alongside Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage options. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized several changes affecting Medicare Advantage and Part D for the 2027 plan year. These changes include updates to quality ratings, prescription drug benefit rules and enrollment procedures.
Medicare coverage in 2027 will continue to include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and generally combine Part A and Part B coverage.
Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans that contract with Medicare.
Important areas to understand include:
CMS has finalized several changes to the Medicare Advantage program for 2027. The changes include updates to Star Ratings, quality measurements and certain enrollment processes.
The 2027 Star Ratings changes place greater emphasis on clinical outcomes, patient experience and meaningful differences in plan performance. CMS is also removing several measures from the ratings system.
When reviewing Medicare Advantage plans, people can look at:
Prescription drug coverage will have several important parameters for 2027. CMS lists a $700 standard deductible and a $2,400 annual out of pocket threshold for the defined standard Part D benefit.
The 2027 Part D structure also continues changes introduced through the Inflation Reduction Act, including the elimination of the former coverage gap phase and changes to catastrophic-phase cost sharing.
When reviewing Part D coverage, consider:
Medicare has several enrollment periods depending on an individual's circumstances. CMS lists Initial Enrollment Periods, the Annual Coordinated Election Period, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, Special Enrollment Periods and other election periods.
For people already enrolled in Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period is particularly relevant when reviewing coverage for the following year. CMS has also released updated enrollment and disenrollment guidance for 2027.
Important considerations include:
Medicare plans can differ substantially by location, benefits, provider networks and prescription coverage. A plan that works for one person may not have the same features for another person.
Useful comparison points include:
CMS expects to release the finalized 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plan landscape in September 2026, along with additional premium and plan information.
Medicare plans for 2027 will include several updates affecting Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. CMS has already finalized important policy changes and released 2027 benefit parameters, while detailed plan information is being finalized for the upcoming enrollment season.
Understanding the differences between Medicare options, reviewing prescription and provider coverage, and checking plan information for the relevant location can help people make more informed decisions about Medicare coverage for 2027.