Quick answer
For 2027, the standard Part D deductible rises to $700 (from $615), and the yearly out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs rises to $2,400 (from $2,100). CMS also ended the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after 2026, so some stand-alone drug plan premiums may rise. Check your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and compare before December 7.
The 2027 numbers
| Measure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible (maximum) | $615 | $700 |
| Out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Premium stabilization program | In place | Ended |
Last reviewed November 2, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: Optum on 2027 Part D changes, report on CMS ending premium stabilization (Aug 2026), KFF Part D premium analysis. Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
Prescription plan changes are easy to miss in the stack of fall mail. Three things move your 2027 drug costs: the deductible, the cap and your plan’s premium.
The three numbers that matter
| What | 2027 | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible (maximum) | $700 | What you may pay before your plan starts sharing costs. Many plans charge less, or none on some drug tiers. |
| Out-of-pocket cap | $2,400 | Once you reach it, you generally pay nothing more for covered drugs that year. |
| Plan premium | Varies | Can rise or fall. Compare yours with other plans in your county. |
Why premiums may feel different
In 2025, CMS started a temporary program that gave participating stand-alone drug plans a premium subsidy and limited how much their premiums could rise. In July 2026, CMS said it would end that program after 2026. KFF’s analysis finds many stand-alone plan enrollees will see modest increases, while others could pay much more if they don’t switch. Your premium depends on your plan and county, so check before you renew.
Compare 2027 drug plans
A licensed agent from our partner can check your prescriptions against Part D and Medicare Advantage plans in your ZIP code at no cost to you.
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
How to check your plan
- Read the Annual Notice of Change your plan mailed.
- Confirm each of your drugs is still covered and in the same tier.
- Confirm your pharmacy is still in the network.
- Compare against at least two other plans in the Medicare Plan Finder, using your actual prescriptions.
If the cap still feels like a lot
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread out-of-pocket drug costs into monthly payments across the year instead of paying at the pharmacy counter. Ask your plan how to sign up. People with limited income and savings may qualify for Extra Help, which lowers premiums and copays; your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you apply.
Free: Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist. A printable two-page list of what to check before December 7, with space for your drugs and doctors. Get the checklist
Common questions
Is the $700 deductible the same for every plan?
No. $700 is the maximum a plan can charge in 2027. Many plans charge less.
What happens after I reach $2,400?
You generally pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of 2027.
Do I have to switch plans?
No, but your plan’s premium, drug list or pharmacies may have changed. Compare before December 7.
When do the changes start?
January 1, 2027.
Part of our Medicare Guide. Costs, enrollment deadlines, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Part D and what Medicare covers, all in one place. See the full guide →
Get guides like this in your inbox
Medicare changes, money tips, health guides and deals for adults 55+. Free, from Senior Affair Magazine.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
