Medicare Advantage 2026 vs 2027: What's Changing
CMS finalized the 2027 Medicare Advantage rules and payment rates in April 2026 and released premium projections in September. Here's what's different from 2026 — and what to check before open enrollment closes December 7.
Book your 2027 Medicare plan review
Open enrollment runs October 15 – December 7. We'll compare your current plan against 2027 options for your doctors and drugs — no cost to you.
2026 vs 2027 side by side
| What changed | 2026 | 2027 | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MA premium | 2026 baseline | Projected to fall 16%+ | National average only — your plan may differ. Compare your Annual Notice of Change. |
| Drug premium inside MA plans (MA-PD) | 2026 baseline | Projected to drop about 38% | Many Advantage plans with drug coverage may cost less for the drug portion. |
| Plan payments from Medicare | 2026 rates | +2.48% average (≈$13B more) | Payment growth is modest, so some plans may trim extras like dental, vision or OTC allowances. |
| Plan choice | Broad availability | 99%+ have at least 1 plan; 97% have 10+ | Choice remains wide, but specific plans can still leave your county. |
| Star Ratings measures | Up to 43 measures for MA-PD | 11 administrative measures removed | Ratings focus more on outcomes and member experience — a plan's stars may move. |
| Health equity reward | Planned for 2027 ratings | Not implemented; historical reward kept | Plans keep being rewarded for consistent high performance across all members. |
| Part D drug cap inside MA-PD | $2,100 per year | $2,400 per year | Your yearly out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs rises $300. |
What to do before December 7
- Read your 2027 Annual Notice of Change (mailed by September 30) for premium, copay and network changes.
- Confirm your doctors and hospitals are still in network for 2027.
- Check that every prescription is still on the plan's 2027 drug list and at what tier.
- Compare extra benefits — dental, vision, hearing, OTC cards — since some plans adjust them.
- Make any change by December 7, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Schedule your Medicare appointment
Pick a time on our Medicare calendar or call 800-214-8976. A licensed agent will review your 2027 Annual Notice of Change with you.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- CMS — CY 2027 MA and Part D payment policies (Apr 6, 2026)
- CMS — CY 2027 MA and Part D final rule fact sheet (Apr 2, 2026)
- CMS — MA and Part D expected to remain stable in 2027 (Sep 28, 2026)
Figures are national CMS parameters; your plan's actual premium, deductible and benefits vary by plan and county. Check your plan's 2027 Annual Notice of Change. We do not offer every plan available in your area; contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all your options.