For 2027 you have two main paths: Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy and a Part D drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that usually includes drug coverage. The average Medicare Advantage premium falls to $12 a month in 2027, the average standalone drug plan rises to $36, drug costs are capped at $2,400 a year, and many counties have fewer plans. You can change plans until December 7, 2026.
Want help comparing 2027 Medicare plans?
A licensed agent from Trusted American Insurance Agency can check your doctors, prescriptions and budget against plans in your ZIP code, at no cost to you.
Get free plan helpWe do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 305 organizations which offer 6,225 products. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. SeniorAffair is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
2027 Medicare Plans at a Glance
| Plan type | 2027 cost snapshot | Key 2027 change |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Average premium $12/month (from $14.37); in-network out-of-pocket limit up to $9,850 | About 5,500 plans nationally, but fewer choices in many counties |
| Part D drug plans | Average standalone premium $36/month; deductible up to $700; cap $2,400 | Fewer standalone plans; premium stabilization program ended |
| Medigap (Medicare Supplement) | Plan G about $120 to $300+/month; high-deductible G deductible $3,050 | Rates set by insurer and state; no federal cap |
| Part B (everyone pays) | $202.90/month in 2026; 2027 due mid-November | Trustees project about $209.50 |
Sources: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D release (Sept. 28, 2026); CMS CY 2027 Rate Announcement; CMS 2027 Medigap high-deductible notice; 2026 Medicare Trustees Report.
Medicare Advantage Plans 2027
Medicare Advantage plans are private plans that replace Original Medicare’s Part A and B coverage. Most include drug coverage and extras like dental, vision and hearing. You still pay your Part B premium.
- Premiums: CMS projects the average falls from $14.37 to $12.00 a month. Most plans with drug coverage list a $0 premium.
- Out-of-pocket limit: up to $9,850 in-network in 2027, up from $9,250.
- Fewer choices: KFF counts 28 Medicare Advantage drug plans for the average beneficiary, down from 32. Some insurers exited counties.
- Extras: CMS expects supplemental benefits to stay stable overall, with new limits on flex and grocery cards.
Go deeper: Will Your Medicare Advantage Plan Exist in 2027? · 2027 Medicare Advantage benefit cuts · How to switch plans
Medicare Drug Plans 2027
Part D covers prescriptions, either as a standalone plan with Original Medicare or built into a Medicare Advantage plan.
| Part D item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible (max) | $615 | $700 |
| Out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Average standalone premium | $35.09 | $36.00 |
| Average drug premium in Medicare Advantage | $11.32 | $7.00 |
| Insulin | $35/month | $35/month |
Fifteen more drugs get negotiated Medicare prices on January 1, 2027. Full details: Medicare Part D Changes for 2027.
Medigap Plans 2027
Medigap policies pay costs Original Medicare leaves behind, like the 20% Part B coinsurance and the Part A hospital deductible. You can see any doctor nationwide who takes Medicare. Plan G is the most popular for new enrollees; Plan N trades small copays for a lower premium.
The catch: outside your first 6-month Medigap window, most states let insurers review your health. Plan your Medigap move before leaving Medicare Advantage.
Go deeper: Medigap cost 2027 by state · Medigap plan letters explained · Switching Medigap plans · Medigap news 2027
Which Path Fits You?
| If you… | Usually consider |
|---|---|
| Want a low monthly premium and extras like dental and vision | Medicare Advantage |
| Want any doctor nationwide and predictable bills | Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D |
| Travel often or split time between states | Original Medicare + Medigap (or a PPO) |
| Take expensive brand-name drugs | Compare total drug cost in Plan Finder for both paths |
| Have Medicare and Medicaid | A Dual Special Needs Plan, or PACE if you need nursing-home-level care |
| Have limited income | Check Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs first |
All Medicare Changes for 2027
- Part D deductible rises to $700 and the out-of-pocket cap to $2,400.
- Average Medicare Advantage premium falls to $12; in-network limit rises to $9,850.
- 15 more drugs get negotiated prices on January 1.
- Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration ends.
- High-deductible Medigap Plan G deductible rises to $3,050.
- Social Security COLA is 3.6% for 2027.
- Part B premium and deductible: due from CMS in mid-November.
Full cost breakdown: Medicare Costs in 2027.
Want help comparing 2027 Medicare plans?
A licensed agent from Trusted American Insurance Agency can check your doctors, prescriptions and budget against plans in your ZIP code, at no cost to you.
Get free plan helpWe do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 305 organizations which offer 6,225 products. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. SeniorAffair is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Every SeniorAffair 2027 Medicare Guide
- Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Changes and Checklist
- 2027 Open Enrollment Checklist
- Medicare Costs in 2027
- Medicare Part D Changes for 2027
- Medigap Cost 2027 State Guide
- Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
- Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Explained
- Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
- The complete SeniorAffair Medicare Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Medicare plan options for 2027?
You can choose Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a Part D drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that usually includes drug coverage. Special Needs Plans and PACE serve people with Medicaid or high care needs.
Are Medicare Advantage plans changing in 2027?
Yes. The average premium falls to $12 a month, the in-network out-of-pocket limit can be as high as $9,850, and many counties have fewer plans as some insurers exited. Check your Annual Notice of Change.
What are the biggest Medicare changes for 2027?
A $700 Part D deductible, a $2,400 drug cost cap, lower average Medicare Advantage premiums, fewer standalone drug plans, 15 more drugs with negotiated prices and a 3.6% Social Security COLA. The Part B premium is due in mid-November.
How much do Medicare drug plans cost in 2027?
CMS projects the average standalone Part D premium at $36 a month. You also pay up to a $700 deductible and 25% coinsurance until your out-of-pocket spending reaches $2,400.
What is the best health insurance for seniors in 2027?
There is no single best plan. Medicare Advantage often costs less monthly and adds extras; Medigap costs more monthly but offers broad doctor access and predictable bills. Compare total yearly cost with your own drugs and doctors.
When can I change my Medicare plan for 2027?
From October 15 to December 7, 2026. Medicare Advantage members get one more change from January 1 to March 31, 2027.
General information only, not personal advice. Senior Affair is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Confirm plan details at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
