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 changed20262027What it means for you
Average MA premium2026 baselineProjected to fall 16%+National average only — your plan may differ. Compare your Annual Notice of Change.
Drug premium inside MA plans (MA-PD)2026 baselineProjected to drop about 38%Many Advantage plans with drug coverage may cost less for the drug portion.
Plan payments from Medicare2026 rates+2.48% average (≈$13B more)Payment growth is modest, so some plans may trim extras like dental, vision or OTC allowances.
Plan choiceBroad availability99%+ have at least 1 plan; 97% have 10+Choice remains wide, but specific plans can still leave your county.
Star Ratings measuresUp to 43 measures for MA-PD11 administrative measures removedRatings focus more on outcomes and member experience — a plan's stars may move.
Health equity rewardPlanned for 2027 ratingsNot implemented; historical reward keptPlans keep being rewarded for consistent high performance across all members.
Part D drug cap inside MA-PD$2,100 per year$2,400 per yearYour 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

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.