Individuals with Medicare can now begin to compare the coverage options available for 2027, although the annual period for making changes will not start until next October 15.
The official tool Medicare Plan Compare now allows you to select 2027 and enter your zip code to check the available health and drug plans in each area.
The Medicare Open Enrollment will be extended from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Before changing, Medicare recommends comparing not only the monthly premium but also doctors, hospitals, covered medications, pharmacies, deductibles, copayments, and other expenses that can vary significantly between plans.
What can be changed between October 15 and December 7?
During Open Enrollment, those who already have Medicare can make several changes to their coverage.
For example, they can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, enroll in or leave a Medicare Advantage plan, change their Part D drug plan, or transition from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
It is also possible to leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. In that case, it may be necessary to separately enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.
Medicare explains the options available during this period in their official Open Enrollment guide.
The plans for 2027 can now be compared
Since early October, Medicare.gov has allowed users to review the options for the upcoming year before the official period for making changes begins.
To begin the comparison, simply enter the zip code. Those who access their Medicare account can also use saved information about medications and pharmacies to obtain cost estimates that are more tailored to their situation.
This is particularly useful because two plans with similar monthly premiums can result in very different annual expenses depending on the prescriptions a person uses, their regular doctors, and how often they need certain services.
What to check before changing your plan
The monthly premium is only one of the elements that should be compared.
In a Medicare Advantage plan, it is advisable to check if your regular doctors, specialists, and hospitals are still within the network for 2027. Some plans may require you to use in-network providers for non-emergency care or charge more for receiving certain services outside of the network.
It should also be checked whether the plan requires prior authorization for specific services, treatments, or medications.
Those who take medication regularly should enter all their prescriptions and their usual pharmacies into Plan Compare. Coverage and price may vary depending on the medication, the pharmacy, and the chosen plan.
Other important elements include deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, annual out-of-pocket expense limits, and additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing services.
Medicare Advantage: projected average premium of 12 dollars
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) project that the weighted average monthly premium of Medicare Advantage plans will be $12 in 2027.
In 2026, that average was $14.37, so the projected reduction is approximately 16.5%.
CMS also estimates that more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan by 2027, while around 97% will have ten or more options available.
These figures are national averages and estimates. They do not mean that all plans will decrease in price or that every beneficiary will pay 12 dollars per month.
The prices and specific options depend on the place of residence and the characteristics of each plan.
What’s happening with the Medicare Part D drug plans?
CMS also released the national projections for prescription drug coverage.
The average monthly premium for independent Part D plans is estimated to be approximately $36 for 2027, up from $35.09 in 2026, an increase of less than one dollar per month in the national average.
In Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage, CMS projects that the average premium for Part D will decrease from $11.32 in 2026 to approximately $7 in 2027.
Again, these values do not replace the consultation of the specific plan available in each postal code.
The maximum deductible for medications will increase in 2027
Those who use medication coverage should also pay attention to two other values that will change next year.
In 2027, a Medicare drug plan will not be able to set a deductible higher than $700. In 2026, the maximum was $615.
The annual out-of-pocket limit for covered medications under Part D will increase from $2,100 in 2026 to $2,400 in 2027.
Once that threshold is reached through the eligible expenses, the beneficiary enters the catastrophic phase and stops paying for covered medications for the rest of the year.
Medicare outlines these costs in its official information on Part D expenses.
Check the letter your plan sent in September
People who are already enrolled in a Medicare plan should have received an especially important document during the fall: the Annual Notice of Change, known by its English acronym ANOC.
The document outlines what will change next year regarding coverage, costs, and other conditions of the plan.
Medicare recommends reviewing it even if the person is satisfied with their current coverage, because a plan can change premiums, deductibles, covered medications, provider networks, and other benefits from one year to the next.
Those who have not received the notice should contact their plan.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage do not work the same way
It is also important to understand what is being compared.
Original Medicare includes Parts A and B and generally allows you to visit any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. To obtain medication coverage, an independent Part D plan can be added.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is offered by private companies approved by Medicare and provides an alternative way to receive coverage under Parts A and B. Most of these plans also include prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, such as certain dental, vision, or hearing services, but they may also utilize provider networks and require prior authorization for certain services.
Therefore, a plan with more announced benefits or a lower premium will not necessarily result in lower expenses or better meet a person's medical needs.
There's no need to change plans every year
Individuals who wish to maintain their current coverage generally do not need to re-enroll each fall, as long as the plan remains available and there are no circumstances that require action.
However, CMS recommends reviewing the options annually as costs and benefits may change.
A useful comparison should include at least the monthly premium, the deductible, the medications used by the beneficiary, their regular doctors and hospitals, the available pharmacies, and the annual maximum out-of-pocket expenses.
Where to compare Medicare plans for 2027
The official tool Medicare Plan Compare allows you to check the available plans for 2027 using your zip code.
People who need assistance can also contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Medicare also offers state SHIP programs, which provide free and independent guidance on health insurance options for individuals with Medicare.
With Open Enrollment about to begin, reviewing options now allows you to reach October 15 with enough information to decide whether to keep your current coverage or explore an alternative for 2027.
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