Medicare advantage plans for 2027 are entering a critical enrollment period, with federal officials projecting lower average premiums, broad plan availability, and continued access to supplemental benefits for millions of Americans. The latest federal figures show that the weighted average monthly premium is expected to fall to $12 in 2027, down from $14.37 in 2026.
The upcoming Medicare year will also bring a large selection of coverage options. Approximately 5,532 Medicare Advantage plans are expected to be available nationally in 2027. More than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries are projected to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage option, while about 97% are expected to have access to 10 or more plans.
These numbers provide an important national picture, but they do not determine what an individual beneficiary will pay. Medicare Advantage coverage varies by county, plan, provider network, prescription coverage, benefits, and cost-sharing rules.
For people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, the upcoming enrollment season is an opportunity to examine their 2027 coverage carefully. Even when a plan remains available, its costs, benefits, network, or prescription coverage can change for the new year.
2027 Medicare Advantage Market Shows Lower Average Premiums
The most notable financial development for 2027 is the projected reduction in the average Medicare Advantage premium.
Federal projections place the weighted average monthly premium at $12.00 in 2027. The comparable figure for 2026 is $14.37.
That represents a projected decline of approximately 16.5%.
The national average includes Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage as well as Special Needs Plans. It provides a broad measurement of the market rather than a guaranteed price for an individual enrollee.
Actual premiums will continue to depend on the plan selected and the beneficiary’s location.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may charge no monthly plan premium, while others may require a monthly payment. A $0 premium also does not mean a beneficiary has no healthcare expenses.
Medical services, prescriptions, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other expenses can still affect total annual spending.
For this reason, beneficiaries should look beyond the monthly premium when reviewing 2027 coverage.
How Many Plans Will Be Available in 2027?
Medicare Advantage will continue to offer extensive plan availability across the United States.
Approximately 5,532 plans are projected to operate nationally during 2027. In 2026, approximately 5,553 plans were available.
The change is relatively small compared with the overall size of the Medicare Advantage market.
However, the national number does not mean that every person will have access to the same plans.
Medicare Advantage plans generally operate within defined service areas. Availability can therefore differ from one county to another.
A plan that operates in one community may not be available in a neighboring county. Beneficiaries should use their ZIP code or other location information when checking actual 2027 choices.
Federal projections indicate that more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan in 2027.
About 97% are expected to have access to 10 or more choices.
That broad availability gives many beneficiaries multiple plans to compare before making a decision for the new coverage year.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Is Expected to Remain Strong
Federal projections estimate that approximately 34 million people will enroll in Medicare Advantage during 2027.
That would represent about 47.4% of all Medicare beneficiaries.
The figure is a projection based on plan enrollment expectations. Actual enrollment can differ from projections.
Medicare Advantage has become a major component of the Medicare program, and the 2027 figures indicate that it will continue to serve a substantial portion of Medicare beneficiaries.
The size of the program also means that plan-level differences matter.
Two plans may both serve the same area while offering different premiums, provider networks, drug formularies, cost-sharing requirements, and additional benefits.
Beneficiaries should therefore compare the actual plans available to them instead of relying on national enrollment statistics alone.
Open Enrollment for 2027 Starts October 15
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2027 coverage begins on October 15, 2026, and ends on December 7, 2026.
This is the primary annual period when Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their health and prescription drug coverage for the following year.
During this period, eligible beneficiaries can:
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
- Change Medicare Advantage coverage with or without prescription drug coverage.
- Add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage when eligible.
- Move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage.
Coverage changes made during this enrollment period generally become effective January 1, 2027.
The plan must receive the enrollment request by December 7 for the change to take effect at the start of the new year.
The December deadline makes early review important for beneficiaries who need time to compare several plans.
Why Existing Medicare Advantage Members Should Review Their Coverage
Remaining with the same plan may be appropriate for some beneficiaries, but reviewing the 2027 information is still important.
Medicare Advantage organizations can change plan details from one year to the next.
Potential changes can involve:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Provider networks
- Prescription drug formularies
- Pharmacy networks
- Supplemental benefits
- Prior authorization requirements
- Annual maximum out-of-pocket costs
A plan can remain available while some of its terms change.
Beneficiaries should therefore examine the information for the new plan year instead of assuming that 2026 coverage will continue unchanged.
Federal projections indicate that approximately eight in 10 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be able to remain in their current plan with the same or a lower premium in 2027.
That is a national projection. Individual circumstances can differ.
Provider Networks Remain a Major Consideration
The monthly premium is only one part of a Medicare Advantage decision.
Provider access can be equally important.
Many Medicare Advantage plans use networks that determine which doctors, hospitals, specialists, and other healthcare providers participate in the plan.
A beneficiary who wants to continue seeing a particular doctor should check that provider’s status for the 2027 plan.
Hospital participation should also be reviewed, particularly for people who regularly receive treatment from a specific medical facility.
Network information can change between plan years.
Checking the current 2027 information can help beneficiaries avoid choosing coverage based solely on a premium while overlooking provider availability.
Prescription Drug Coverage Is Another Key Area
Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
These plans are commonly known as Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, or MA-PD plans.
For beneficiaries who take regular medications, prescription coverage deserves close attention during enrollment.
A plan may cover a medication while another plan uses different cost-sharing requirements or coverage rules.
Beneficiaries should check their medications against the plan’s 2027 formulary.
Pharmacy networks also matter. The cost of a prescription can depend on where it is filled and whether the pharmacy participates in the plan’s preferred network.
A plan’s drug coverage should therefore be evaluated alongside its medical benefits.
Part D Costs Also Change in 2027
Prescription drug coverage is undergoing additional changes for 2027.
The standard Medicare Part D deductible is set at $700 for 2027.
The annual out-of-pocket threshold for the standard Part D benefit is set at $2,400.
These figures are important for beneficiaries evaluating prescription drug coverage, including people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D benefits.
The average monthly Part D premium for stand-alone prescription drug plans is projected to increase by less than $1, moving from $35.09 in 2026 to approximately $36 in 2027.
For Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage, the average monthly Part D premium component is projected to decline from $11.32 in 2026 to about $7 in 2027 after Medicare Advantage rebates.
That represents a projected reduction of approximately 38%.
Individual plan costs can differ substantially from these averages.
Dental, Vision and Hearing Benefits Remain Part of the 2027 Market
Supplemental benefits continue to be an important feature of Medicare Advantage coverage.
Federal projections indicate that dental, vision, and hearing benefit offerings are expected to remain stable overall in 2027.
The specific details can differ from one plan to another.
Dental coverage may have annual limits, provider requirements, or other restrictions. Vision benefits can have separate allowances or network rules. Hearing benefits can also involve specific eligibility requirements.
Beneficiaries should examine the actual benefits offered by each plan rather than assuming that all Medicare Advantage plans provide identical extras.
The availability of an additional benefit does not necessarily mean every service connected to that benefit will be covered without cost.
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs Matter
Another important number is the annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered Medicare services.
Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on what enrollees pay for covered Medicare services under the plan.
Once the applicable maximum is reached, the plan generally pays the full amount for covered services for the remainder of the year, subject to the plan’s rules.
Beneficiaries should examine the specific maximum that applies to each plan they are considering.
A plan with a lower monthly premium can have a different cost-sharing structure than a plan with a higher monthly premium.
Looking at the maximum out-of-pocket amount provides another way to evaluate potential financial exposure.
Federal Payment Policy for 2027 Is Already Final
The federal government finalized its 2027 Medicare Advantage payment policies in April 2026.
The final policy projects a 2.48% average increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. The projected increase represents more than $13 billion in additional payments to plans.
The payment calculation incorporates several factors, including changes in healthcare spending, risk adjustment, quality ratings, and other components of the Medicare Advantage payment system.
The projected increase in plan payments does not mean beneficiaries will automatically see higher premiums.
Premiums are determined at the plan level, and the latest federal projections show that the national weighted average Medicare Advantage premium is expected to decline in 2027.
The two figures address different parts of the Medicare Advantage system and should not be treated as equivalent measures.
Star Ratings Continue to Matter
Medicare uses Star Ratings to evaluate the quality of Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
The ratings consider multiple areas related to healthcare quality and plan performance.
For consumers, Star Ratings can provide another piece of information when comparing plans.
The federal government finalized several updates to the Star Ratings system for the 2027 contract year.
Quality measurements can affect Medicare Advantage payments to insurers, while the ratings themselves provide beneficiaries with information that can be considered alongside costs and benefits.
A plan’s rating should be reviewed together with practical factors such as provider access, prescription coverage, premiums, and cost sharing.
New 2027 Rules Affect Plan Operations
Federal officials also finalized policy and technical changes for the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D programs.
The changes include updates involving Star Ratings, enrollment procedures, and other administrative requirements.
Federal policy also strengthens rules involving supplemental benefits.
The updated requirements include clearer rules surrounding debit cards used to administer certain supplemental benefits. The changes are intended to improve transparency and help ensure that beneficiaries receive the benefits covered by their plans.
The 2027 policy framework also incorporates statutory changes affecting Medicare Part D.
These developments form part of the broader regulatory framework governing Medicare Advantage plans during the 2027 coverage year.
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Coverage for 2027
Beneficiaries can create a more useful comparison by reviewing the same categories for every plan under consideration.
A practical checklist includes:
| Category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Premium | Monthly amount required by the plan |
| Medical costs | Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles |
| Provider network | Doctors, specialists and hospitals included |
| Drug coverage | Covered medications and cost sharing |
| Pharmacy network | Preferred and participating pharmacies |
| Out-of-pocket limit | Maximum applicable annual amount |
| Dental benefits | Covered services, limits and network requirements |
| Vision benefits | Exams, eyewear allowances and restrictions |
| Hearing benefits | Covered services and equipment rules |
| Star Rating | Current quality rating information |
This comparison can help prevent a beneficiary from focusing on only one number.
A $0 premium plan, for example, can still involve costs for medical services or prescriptions. Likewise, a plan with a monthly premium can have different cost-sharing arrangements that may matter depending on healthcare use.
What Happens After the December 7 Deadline?
The annual Open Enrollment Period is not the only enrollment opportunity.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 for people who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
During this period, an eligible beneficiary can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
A beneficiary who returns to Original Medicare can also enroll in a separate Medicare prescription drug plan.
Coverage generally begins on the first day of the month after the plan receives the enrollment request.
Certain beneficiaries may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because of specific circumstances.
Qualifying situations can include moving, losing certain coverage, gaining Medicaid eligibility, or experiencing another event recognized under Medicare enrollment rules.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Before Choosing 2027 Coverage
The first step is to identify the plans actually available in the beneficiary’s area.
The next step is to compare total coverage rather than looking only at the monthly premium.
Beneficiaries should verify their doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, pharmacies, and frequently used services.
They should also review the annual out-of-pocket limit and any supplemental benefits that matter to them.
Current Medicare Advantage members should pay particular attention to changes between their 2026 and 2027 coverage.
The Medicare Plan Finder can be used to compare plans available for the new year.
Reviewing information before the December 7 deadline gives beneficiaries time to examine their options and complete an enrollment decision.
2027 Medicare Advantage Numbers to Remember
Several figures stand out as beneficiaries prepare for the new coverage year:
- $12: Projected weighted average monthly Medicare Advantage premium for 2027.
- $14.37: Weighted average monthly premium projected for 2026.
- 5,532: Approximate number of Medicare Advantage plans expected nationally in 2027.
- 34 million: Projected 2027 Medicare Advantage enrollment.
- 47.4%: Projected share of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
- 99%+: Medicare beneficiaries projected to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan.
- 97%: Beneficiaries projected to have access to at least 10 Medicare Advantage choices.
- October 15: Start of the 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
- December 7: End of the annual Open Enrollment Period.
- January 1, 2027: Effective date for coverage changes made during the fall enrollment period.
- $700: Standard Part D deductible for 2027.
- $2,400: 2027 Part D annual out-of-pocket threshold.
These numbers describe the national Medicare Advantage market and federal program rules. Individual premiums, benefits, provider networks, and plan availability can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update for Medicare Advantage in 2027?
The latest federal projections show a weighted average Medicare Advantage premium of $12 per month for 2027. About 5,532 plans are expected nationally, with more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries projected to have access to at least one plan.
When can I enroll in Medicare Advantage for 2027?
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Coverage selected during this period generally starts January 1, 2027.
Are Medicare Advantage premiums expected to decrease in 2027?
The national weighted average premium is projected to decline from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027. Individual premiums depend on the plan and location.
How many Medicare Advantage plans will be available in 2027?
Approximately 5,532 plans are expected to be available nationally in 2027.
Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can join, switch, or leave Medicare Advantage during the October 15 through December 7 annual enrollment period.
Can I change plans after January 1, 2027?
People already enrolled in Medicare Advantage generally have an opportunity to switch plans or return to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. Some people may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Will Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision benefits in 2027?
Federal projections indicate that supplemental benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing benefits, are expected to remain stable overall. Specific benefits vary by plan.
What should I check before selecting a 2027 plan?
Check the premium, medical cost sharing, provider network, prescription coverage, pharmacy network, maximum out-of-pocket limit, and supplemental benefits.
Will my current Medicare Advantage plan automatically stay the same in 2027?
A plan can remain available while changing some of its costs, benefits, network arrangements, or prescription coverage. Current members should review the information for the 2027 coverage year.
Where can I compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2027?
Beneficiaries can use Medicare’s official online plan comparison tools to review the Medicare Advantage plans available in their location and compare their costs and benefits.
The 2027 Medicare Advantage market is moving into its most important comparison period, with lower projected average premiums, thousands of plans nationwide, and broad access expected for beneficiaries across the United States.
As October enrollment approaches, reviewing the actual 2027 options available in your area can help you understand the coverage, costs, and benefits that will apply in the year ahead.