15 Medicare Drugs Get Negotiated Prices on January 1, 2027: Ozempic Falls to $274

Direct answer: On January 1, 2027, negotiated prices take effect for 15 Medicare Part D drugs, including Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. The negotiated price for a 30-day supply of those three semaglutide drugs is $274, down from a 2024 list price of $959, a 71% reduction, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), November 2025. CMS projects that people with Medicare drug coverage will save about $685 million in out-of-pocket costs in 2027 under the standard benefit design.

Which drugs get lower prices?

The 15 drugs cover diabetes, asthma, COPD, cancer, psoriasis, and other conditions. About 5.3 million of the 53 million people with Medicare Part D coverage were dispensed one of these drugs in 2024, according to CMS, November 2025.

These 15 drugs accounted for $42.5 billion in total Part D gross covered prescription drug costs in 2024, about 15% of all Part D gross costs. In the same year, people with Part D coverage spent $1.7 billion out of pocket on these drugs, according to CMS, November 2025.

The full list is Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy (one selected drug), Trelegy Ellipta, Xtandi, Pomalyst, Ofev, Ibrance, Linzess, Calquence, Austedo and Austedo XR, Breo Ellipta, Xifaxan, Vraylar, Tradjenta, Janumet and Janumet XR, and Otezla and Otezla XR, according to CMS, November 2025.

How much does each drug cost now?

The table below shows the negotiated price, called the maximum fair price, for a 30-day supply, next to the 2024 list price. All figures come from CMS, November 2025.

Drug	Negotiated price, 2027	List price, 2024	Reduction
Ozempic; Rybelsus; Wegovy	$274	$959	71%
Trelegy Ellipta	$175	$654	73%
Xtandi	$7,004	$13,480	48%
Pomalyst	$8,650	$21,744	60%
Ofev	$6,350	$12,622	50%
Ibrance	$7,871	$15,741	50%
Linzess	$136	$539	75%
Calquence	$8,600	$14,228	40%
Austedo; Austedo XR	$4,093	$6,623	38%
Breo Ellipta	$67	$397	83%
Xifaxan	$1,000	$2,696	63%
Vraylar	$770	$1,376	44%
Tradjenta	$78	$488	84%
Janumet; Janumet XR	$80	$526	85%
Otezla; Otezla XR	$1,650	$4,722	65%

The largest cut by percentage is Janumet, down 85%. The largest cut in dollars for a widely used drug is semaglutide: $685 less per 30-day supply. Prices vary by dosage form and strength. For example, one Ozempic 4 mg/3 mL pen is $276.78, and four Wegovy 2.4 mg/0.75 mL pens are $385.63, according to CMS, November 2025.

Who qualifies?

The negotiated prices apply to people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage who are dispensed one of the 15 selected drugs. The drug company must make the negotiated price available to eligible people and to the pharmacies that dispense the drug, according to CMS, November 2025.

The prices do not apply to people without Medicare drug coverage. They also do not apply to drugs outside the selected list, even if the same company makes them.

Does the negotiated price change what you pay at the pharmacy?

Not directly. The negotiated price is a ceiling on what the manufacturer may charge a Part D plan. Your own share still comes from your plan's deductible, the drug's tier, and its copay or coinsurance.

Two people on the same drug can pay different amounts under different plans. The $685 million in projected savings is a CMS estimate under the standard benefit design, not a promise about any single plan, according to CMS, November 2025.

One related change helps in 2027 regardless of plan: the Part D out-of-pocket cap rises from $2,100 to $2,400, and the maximum standard deductible rises from $615 to $700, according to the CMS 2027 Rate Announcement, April 2026. After you reach the cap, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the calendar year, according to Medicare.gov.

When does it start?

The negotiated prices take effect on January 1, 2027. CMS published the prices on November 25, 2025, after the negotiation period ended on November 1, 2025.

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, and any plan change takes effect January 1, 2027, according to Medicare.gov. Your plan must receive your request by December 7. This is the window to check whether your 2027 plan covers your drugs and what your share will be.

What should you check before December 7?

• Check your plan's 2027 formulary to confirm each of your drugs is still covered, and at which tier.
• Compare your total yearly drug cost, not just the monthly premium, using the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov.
• Read the Annual Notice of Change your plan mailed in September or October for 2027 premium and cost changes.
• Ask your pharmacist or plan whether the negotiated price changes your copay for a drug you take.
• Check Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs if costs are a burden. Extra Help can be applied for at any time, according to Medicare.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Will Ozempic cost $274 at my pharmacy?
Not necessarily. $274 is the negotiated price for a 30-day supply that caps what the manufacturer charges the plan. Your copay depends on your plan's tier, deductible, and pharmacy. Check your plan's 2027 costs to see your own share.

How much will Medicare save overall?
If the negotiated prices had applied in 2024, they would have saved an estimated $12 billion in net covered prescription drug costs, about 44% lower net spending, according to CMS, November 2025. Including Coverage Gap Discount Program spending, the estimate is about $8.5 billion, about 36% lower.

Are more drugs coming?
Yes. CMS named 15 drugs for the third negotiation cycle on January 27, 2026, plus one drug for renegotiation, with any negotiated prices becoming effective in 2028. Together with the first two rounds, 25 drugs carry a negotiated price, according to CMS.

Do I need to do anything to get the lower price?
No separate application is needed. The drug company must make the negotiated price available to eligible people with Part D coverage and to dispensing pharmacies, according to CMS, November 2025. Your plan still sets your copay, so comparing plans during open enrollment is the step that affects your cost.

What if my plan does not cover my drug in 2027?
A negotiated price does not force a plan to cover a drug. If your drug is not on your plan's formulary, the price does not help you. Use open enrollment, which ends December 7, 2026, to find a plan that covers your medicines.

Key Takeaway

Fifteen Part D drugs, led by Ozempic at $274 instead of $959, get negotiated prices on January 1, 2027, with about $685 million in projected out-of-pocket savings. The price caps what the manufacturer charges, not your copay, so the move that matters now is comparing your 2027 plan before open enrollment ends on December 7, 2026.

Sources: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Negotiated Prices for Initial Price Applicability Year 2027” (fact sheet, November 2025); CMS, “Announcement of Calendar Year 2027 Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies” (April 6, 2026); Medicare.gov, “Joining a plan” and “How much does Medicare drug coverage cost?”

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This post was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed for accuracy against the sources cited above. It is general information only, not medical advice. For decisions about your own medicine or coverage, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or a licensed Medicare counselor.

4.3 Million Medicare Plans End on December 31: Check Yours Before December 7

4.3 Million Medicare Plans End on December 31: Check Yours Before December 7

Direct answer: A KFF analysis of federal plan data finds that 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries will have their Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Part D drug plan terminated on December 31, 2026 — 3.1 million in Medicare Advantage drug plans and 1.2 million in stand-alone drug plans. If your plan is ending and you do nothing, you will be moved to Original Medicare, generally without prescription drug coverage. Medicare open enrollment ends December 7, 2026, so check your plan now.

What is happening?

Private insurers change their Medicare offerings every year, but the scale of this year's exits is large. KFF analyzed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plan data, based on June 2026 enrollment, and published its findings on October 27, 2026. The terminations include plans that end entirely and plans that stop serving specific counties.

This is a different story from premiums. Earlier this fall we covered the 2027 average Medicare Advantage premium of $12 and the possible Part D average of $51 if enrollees stay put. Those were price stories. This one is about whether your plan exists at all next year — and a low premium means nothing if the plan is gone.

Group	People affected	Share of that group
Medicare Advantage drug plans (MA-PD)	3.1 million	14% of general-enrollment MA-PD enrollees (2.8 million), plus about 300,000 in special needs plans
Stand-alone Part D plans (PDP)	1.2 million	6% of PDP enrollees — double last year's 3%
Plans consolidating, not ending	1.4 million	Moved automatically to another plan from the same insurer

The 1.4 million people in consolidating plans are not losing coverage — their insurer moves them to a different plan. But they should still review the new plan, because costs, benefits, networks, and drug lists can change. The average beneficiary will have 28 Medicare Advantage drug plans and 9 stand-alone drug plans to choose from in 2027; the drug-plan choice count is down from 11 in 2026.

Which insurers are ending the most plans?

Four parent organizations account for half of the people losing an individual Medicare Advantage drug plan:

Insurer	Share of affected MA-PD enrollees	People
Humana	19%	530,000
UnitedHealth Group	13%	367,000
CVS Health	9%	254,000
Aware Integrated (Blue Cross plans in Minnesota)	9%	249,000

On the drug-plan side, the concentration is even sharper: 81% of the 1.2 million people losing a stand-alone Part D plan — about 950,000 people — are in the SilverScript Choice plan sponsored by CVS Health, which is ending in 13 drug-plan regions. Another 190,000 people (16%) are in HealthSpring Extra Rx, ending in 16 regions.

What happens if you do nothing?

If your Medicare Advantage plan ends and you do not choose another plan, you will be switched automatically to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). That switch does not include prescription drug coverage, so you would need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan separately if you want drug coverage. Your insurer may instead assign you to another Medicare Advantage plan it offers — check your mail for a notice explaining which outcome applies to you.

There is one protection worth knowing: people whose Medicare Advantage coverage is terminated generally qualify for a special enrollment period for Medigap with guaranteed issue rights, meaning they cannot be denied a Medigap policy or charged more because of a pre-existing condition, according to KFF. The exact window is in your termination notice — ask 1-800-MEDICARE if it is unclear.

Minnesota: the sharpest example

Minnesota shows how concentrated the exits can be. On November 2, 2026, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warned that nearly 400,000 Minnesotans — nearly one-third of the state's 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries — will lose their current Medicare Advantage plan for 2027.

In 18 Minnesota counties, there will be no Medicare Advantage coverage in 2027. In 15 of those counties, Medicare Cost plans and Original Medicare remain available. In three counties — Crow Wing, Lake of the Woods, and Wadena — there will be no Medicare Advantage or Medicare Cost plan at all, so Original Medicare is the only option, and residents there must select a Part D drug plan to keep drug coverage. Minnesota Aging Pathways, the state's free counseling service, can be reached at 800-333-2433.

What should you do before December 7?

• Open the Annual Notice of Change letter from your plan. It states whether your plan continues, changes, or ends for 2027.
• Log in at Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder: enter your prescriptions and your pharmacy to compare the plans available in your county.
• Check three things in any new plan: whether your doctors are in network, whether your prescriptions are covered, and what your total out-of-pocket costs would be.
• If your plan is ending, enroll in a new plan by December 7 so coverage starts January 1, 2027. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (available 24/7) or your state's free SHIP counseling program for help.
• Keep your termination letter. It documents your right to a special enrollment period and to Medigap guaranteed issue rights.

What if you miss December 7?

Missing open enrollment is not the end of the road if your plan is ending. People whose plan is not renewed get a special enrollment period that runs from December 8, 2026 through February 28, 2027. To have new coverage start on January 1 with no gap, enroll by December 31. Enrolling in January means coverage starts February 1, and enrolling in February means it starts March 1 — so December 7 is still the simplest deadline to aim for.

Frequently asked questions

Have I lost Medicare?
No. Your plan is ending, not your Medicare. Your Part A and Part B coverage continues through Original Medicare unless you enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan.

How do I know if my plan is ending?
Your insurer was required to send an Annual Notice of Change and, if the plan is ending, a non-renewal notice. You can also check your plan's 2027 status by logging in at Medicare.gov.

What is the difference between a terminated plan and a consolidated plan?
A terminated plan ends and you must choose a replacement. A consolidated plan moves you automatically to another plan from the same insurer — about 1.4 million people are in this group — but you should still review the new plan's costs and coverage.

I am in Minnesota. What is different for me?
Nearly 400,000 Minnesotans are affected, and in 18 counties there will be no Medicare Advantage plan in 2027. In Crow Wing, Lake of the Woods, and Wadena counties, Original Medicare is the only option, so a Part D plan is needed for drug coverage. Free help is available from Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433.

Can I still buy Medigap if my plan ends?
According to KFF, people whose Medicare Advantage coverage is terminated generally qualify for a special enrollment period for Medigap with guaranteed issue rights. Check the window in your termination notice or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Where can I verify this myself?
See the KFF analysis, “More Than 4 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Will Have Their Medicare Advantage or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Terminated at the End of 2026” (October 27, 2026), and the Minnesota Attorney General's November 2, 2026 alert on Medicare Advantage changes.

Key Takeaway

4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries — 3.1 million in Medicare Advantage drug plans and 1.2 million in stand-alone Part D plans — lose their plan on December 31, 2026. If yours is one of them, choose a replacement by December 7 for coverage starting January 1; doing nothing leaves you on Original Medicare without drug coverage.

Sources: KFF, “More Than 4 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Will Have Their Medicare Advantage or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Terminated at the End of 2026,” October 27, 2026 (analysis of CMS plan data, June 2026 enrollment); Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, press release, November 2, 2026; Medicare.gov special enrollment period rules for non-renewed plans (December 8, 2026 – February 28, 2027).

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This post was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed for accuracy against the sources cited above. It is general information only, not medical advice. For decisions about your own coverage, please talk to a licensed Medicare counselor, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or 1-800-MEDICARE.

 

Medicare Part D Premiums Could Jump to $51 in 2027 If You Stay Put: What to Compare Before December 7

Direct answer: A KFF analysis published October 30, 2026 projects that the average monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) will rise from $34 in 2026 to $51 in 2027, an increase of 50%, if current enrollees keep the same plan. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15, 2026 through December 7, 2026. That $51 figure is a "stay put" average, not a bill every enrollee will receive: KFF itself expects the actual average to be lower once people switch plans during open enrollment, so comparing your own plan before December 7 matters more than ever this year.

Why are there two different 2027 premium averages?

Two widely quoted numbers describe different questions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projected a national average stand-alone Part D premium of $36 for 2027, up by less than $1 from $35. KFF projected $51, based on June 2026 enrollment and assuming enrollees keep their current plans. KFF notes that CMS did not explain its calculation method and that CMS may have assumed switching to lower-cost plans, which would produce a lower average. In other words, the CMS figure describes the market if people shop around; the KFF figure describes what happens if they do not. Neither number is your plan's price. Your premium depends on your plan, your region, and the drugs you take.

Measure	2026	2027 (projected, if you stay in the same plan)
Stand-alone Part D plan (PDP), average monthly premium, KFF	$34	$51 (up 50%, a $17 increase)
Stand-alone Part D plan, national average monthly premium, CMS	$35	$36 (up less than $1)
Drug coverage inside a Medicare Advantage plan (MA-PD), average monthly premium, KFF	Not given as a single comparable average in the KFF summary	About $9 (up less than $2)

For clarity: the MA-PD drug premium is estimated at about $9 per month in 2027, more than five times lower than the $51 PDP average. That gap is one reason the same "Part D premium" headline can sound very different depending on whether drug coverage comes from a stand-alone plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan.

Who faces a higher premium if they make no change?

KFF estimates that, among 13.6 million stand-alone plan enrollees who do not receive Part D Low-Income Subsidies (LIS), 10.4 million (76%) will pay a higher monthly premium in 2027 if they keep their current plan. That group includes 4.1 million people enrolled in zero-premium plans in 2026 who will face a higher premium next year because no zero-premium stand-alone plans are available in 2027 for enrollees without LIS. Of the 10.4 million facing an increase, 2.4 million would see their monthly premium rise by more than $50 if they stay put, compared with only 38,000 enrollees who faced an increase larger than $50 per month in 2026.

At the same time, the average hides a wide spread. If enrollees without LIS keep their current plans, more than half (55%, or 7.5 million) will pay less than $20 per month, while nearly 30% (3.9 million) will pay $100 per month or more. Among the eight national stand-alone plans, average monthly premiums for 2027 are projected to range from around $6 to $204: Centene's Wellcare Value Script Rx averages $6.50 (up from $5.80 in 2026), while United's AARP Medicare Rx Preferred averages $204.50 (up from $126.00 in 2026). Averages also vary by region for the same plan, so a national average is only a starting point.

Why did the stay-put average rise so much?

A major reason is the end of the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after 2026. That program provided additional premium subsidies to plan sponsors and capped the maximum allowable monthly premium increase at $50 for 2026. With the demonstration discontinued, that cap and those subsidies no longer hold 2027 premiums down in the same way. KFF also notes that the average beneficiary has 9 stand-alone plans and 28 Medicare Advantage drug plans to choose from, so shopping is possible, but only if you compare before the deadline.

What else should you check besides the premium?

• Your deductible. The average Part D deductible in 2027 is projected at $643 for stand-alone plan enrollees (up from $540 in 2026) and $489 for Medicare Advantage drug plan enrollees (up from $360). The standard Part D deductible rises from $615 to $700. Virtually all stand-alone plan enrollees (99.8%) and 85% of Medicare Advantage drug plan enrollees will be in plans that charge a deductible in 2027, if they do not switch.
• Your drug list and cost sharing. Virtually all stand-alone plan enrollees will face coinsurance rather than a fixed copayment for preferred brands (median 25%) and non-preferred drugs (median 35%) in 2027. Coinsurance is a percentage, so your cost moves with the drug price.
• Your Annual Notice of Change. Compare your 2027 premium, deductible, drug tiers, and pharmacy network with your 2026 coverage, not just the headline average.
• Help with costs. People with limited income and resources may qualify for Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy), which changes the premium picture substantially. Check eligibility even if you did not qualify before.

How can you compare 2027 drug plans?

Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov: enter your medicines and pharmacies, then compare total yearly cost, not premium alone. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, individual help. People who want to keep their current coverage generally do not need to re-enroll, but this year, doing nothing is itself a choice with a projected average cost: $51 per month for stand-alone drug coverage, versus a lower average if you switch to a cheaper plan.

Frequently asked questions

Will my stand-alone drug plan premium really be $51 in 2027?
Not necessarily. $51 is KFF's projected enrollment-weighted average if current enrollees keep the same plan. Your premium could be well below $20, or $100 or more, depending on your plan and region. Check your plan's 2027 premium in your Annual Notice of Change or on Medicare.gov.

Why does CMS say the average is only $36?
CMS projected a national average of $36 based on September 2026 enrollment, without explaining its method. KFF suggests CMS may have assumed that enrollees switch to lower-cost plans. The two figures answer different questions, so they are not a contradiction to pick a side on: they are a reason to check your own plan.

Are zero-premium stand-alone drug plans gone in 2027?
For enrollees without Low-Income Subsidies, KFF finds no zero-premium stand-alone plans available in 2027. That is why 4.1 million people in zero-premium plans in 2026 face a higher premium next year if they stay put.

When does 2027 coverage start?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Changes made by December 7 apply to 2027 coverage.

Key takeaway

KFF projects that stand-alone Part D premiums will average $51 per month in 2027, up 50% from $34, if enrollees stay in the same plan, while CMS projects a national average of $36, a difference explained largely by whether switching is assumed. About 10.4 million stand-alone plan enrollees without low-income subsidies face a higher premium if they make no change, including 2.4 million facing an increase of more than $50 per month, and no zero-premium stand-alone plans are available for that group in 2027. The practical point is simple: before December 7, 2026, compare your own plan's premium, deductible, drug list, and total cost on Medicare.gov, because the average you end up paying depends on whether you shop.

Sources

• KFF, Medicare Part D Premiums and Cost Sharing in 2027, published October 30, 2026 — https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-part-d-premiums-and-cost-sharing-in-2027/
• KFF press release, The Average Monthly Premium for Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plans Is Projected to Increase by 50% From $34 to $51 in 2027 Unless Enrollees Switch to Lower-Cost Plans, published October 30, 2026 — https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-monthly-premium-for-medicare-part-d-stand-alone-plans-is-projected-to-increase-by-50-from-34-to-51-in-2027-unless-enrollees-switch-to-lower-cost-plans/
• 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

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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, CMS, or KFF. If a detail affects your coverage or your premium, please confirm it with Medicare or a qualified professional before acting.

Medicare Advantage Premiums Fall to $12 on Average in 2027: What to Check Before December 7

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

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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.