What CMS projects for 2027
In its September 28, 2026 announcement, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projected that the average monthly Medicare Advantage premium would decrease from $14.37 in 2026 to $12.00 in 2027. CMS also projected the average total monthly premium for standalone Part D plans would rise from $35.09 to $36.00. These are national averages and projections—not the premium or total cost of any particular plan.
A low premium is only one piece of the puzzle
For Medicare Advantage, review the plan's medical deductible, primary and specialist visit copayments, hospital and outpatient costs, annual in-network out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors and hospitals participate. For drug coverage, compare your actual medicines, dosages, pharmacy choice, drug tiers, deductible, and coverage restrictions. Benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or other extras also differ by plan and may have limits.
Compare your expected year—not just a headline
Start with the services you used this year and any care you anticipate next year. Add monthly premiums, likely copays and coinsurance, and estimated prescription costs. Then consider what you could owe if you need more extensive care. A plan with a slightly higher premium may sometimes cost less overall for a person with regular appointments or expensive medications; the reverse can also be true.
What about the 2027 Part D base premium?
CMS separately announced a $41.33 national base beneficiary premium for 2027. That figure is a statutory calculation used in Part D financing; it is not the premium every beneficiary pays. Individual Part D plan premiums vary. See the CMS Part D bid fact sheet for the distinction.
Four questions to bring to your Medicare review
- Will my current doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals be in-network in 2027?
- Are my prescriptions covered, and what will I pay at my pharmacy?
- What will routine care cost, and what is my exposure if I need hospitalization or extensive treatment?
- Have premiums, cost-sharing rules or supplemental benefits changed since 2026?
Mark the enrollment deadline
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Eligible changes generally take effect January 1, 2027. Review your plan's official 2027 materials before enrolling. See Medicare.gov's Open Enrollment guidance for the enrollment rules.
Review your options with Michael Johnson
Want help understanding how your current coverage compares with available 2027 choices? Visit medicareadvisor4u.com and click the Book a Medicare Review button to request an appointment with Michael Johnson. You can also call 984-400-8451.
Educational information only. Coverage, costs, eligibility and availability vary by plan and location. Medicare Advisors is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program. For personal medical decisions, consult your healthcare professional.
Official sources
CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D outlook (September 28, 2026)
CMS: 2027 Part D base beneficiary premium
Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment