Direct answer: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects the weighted average monthly Medicare Advantage premium will fall from $14.37 in 2026 to $12.00 in 2027, a decline of 16.5%. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15, 2026 through December 7, 2026. These are national averages and projections, not the price of any single plan, so check your own plan's 2027 costs before the deadline.
What did CMS project for 2027?
CMS announced the 2027 projections on September 28, 2026, ahead of open enrollment. The headline figures are averages across all Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with prescription drug coverage and Special Needs Plans.
| Coverage | 2026 | 2027 (projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage, weighted average monthly premium | $14.37 | $12.00 (down 16.5%) |
| Part D inside a Medicare Advantage drug plan, average monthly premium after rebates | $11.32 | $7.00 (down 38%, a $4.32 drop) |
| Stand-alone Part D plan, average monthly premium | $35.09 | $36.00 (up less than $1) |
CMS also projects that supplemental benefits such as hearing, dental, and vision coverage will remain stable in 2027, and that about 8 in 10 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be able to stay in their current plan with the same or a lower premium.
Why does the average fall not mean every plan gets cheaper?
A weighted average blends many plans together, including plans with a $0 premium, and weights them by enrollment. Your own plan's premium, deductible, copayments, provider network, and drug list can still move in either direction. CMS itself urges beneficiaries to review their current coverage and compare 2027 options, because plan costs and benefits can change from year to year.
The total number of Medicare Advantage plans nationally is projected to stay nearly flat, from 5,553 in 2026 to about 5,532 in 2027. More than 99% of beneficiaries are projected to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan, and 97% to 10 or more choices. CMS estimates 2027 Medicare Advantage enrollment at 34 million, about 47.4% of all people enrolled in Medicare.
What should you check before December 7?
- Your plan's Annual Notice of Change. Compare the 2027 premium, deductible, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximum with your 2026 costs.
- Your doctors and pharmacies. Check whether they are still in network for 2027.
- Your medicines. Check the 2027 drug list and tier for each prescription, and the Part D premium that applies to your plan type.
- Extra benefits you actually use. Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are projected to stay stable nationally, but the details vary by plan.
- Help paying costs. Medicare Savings Programs may help pay premiums, deductibles, and copayments for people with limited income and resources, and Extra Help may help with Part D costs.
How can you compare 2027 plans?
Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare premiums, costs, benefits, and drug coverage side by side. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for help comparing plans and costs. People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage generally do not need to re-enroll, but CMS still recommends a yearly review during open enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
Is my Medicare Advantage premium $12 in 2027?
Not necessarily. $12.00 is the projected national weighted average. Your premium depends on your plan, your location, and your enrollment choices.
When does 2027 coverage start?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Did stand-alone drug plan premiums fall too?
No. CMS projects the average stand-alone Part D premium will rise by less than $1, from $35.09 to $36.00. The larger drug-premium drop applies to drug coverage inside Medicare Advantage plans, from $11.32 to $7.00.
Where can I get help with my own plan?
Medicare.gov, the Medicare Plan Finder, and 1-800-MEDICARE publish plan-by-plan 2027 information. A local State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor can also help with an individual comparison.
Key takeaway
CMS projects lower average Medicare Advantage premiums for 2027, led by a 16.5% drop in the weighted average monthly premium to $12.00 and a 38% drop in the average Part D premium inside Medicare Advantage drug plans to $7.00, while stand-alone Part D averages rise by less than $1 to $36.00. The averages are good news in general, but they do not describe any one plan, so use the open enrollment window ending December 7, 2026 to check your premium, network, drug list, and extra benefits before 2027 coverage begins.
Sources
- CMS press release: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2027, published September 28, 2026 — https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2027
This post was created with the help of AI and is for general information only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice, and it does not replace guidance from a licensed professional, a Medicare counselor, or an official source such as Medicare.gov or CMS. If a detail affects your coverage or your premium, please confirm it with Medicare or a qualified professional before acting.
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