Medicare decisions can feel deceptively familiar. If your current coverage worked reasonably well this year, it is tempting to simply let it roll into 2027. But plans can change premiums, drug coverage, provider networks, pharmacies, and other benefits from year to year, so the fine print is worth a closer look before making that decision. For 2027, Medicare Open Enrollment will again run from October 15 through December 7, with changes taking effect on January 1. Before enrollment begins, pay close attention to the Annual Notice of Change from your current plan. It can highlight changes that might otherwise be easy to miss. Prescription coverage deserves extra attention this year. Under the standard Part D benefit, the deductible will increase from $615 in 2026 to $700 in 2027, while the annual out-of-pocket threshold will increase from $2,100 to $2,400. Once that threshold is reached, beneficiaries continue to owe no cost sharing for covered Part D drugs during the catastrophic phase. Premiums are another area where the headline number may not tell the whole story. The national base beneficiary premium for Part D will be $41.33 in 2027, but that is not necessarily what you will pay. Actual premiums vary by plan, and CMS is expected to release final average Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums, as well as the full 2027 plan landscape, in September. When it is time to compare options, here are some important aspects to review:
A plan that worked well in 2026 may still be the right choice. The key is to make that decision intentionally rather than assume nothing has changed. |
Read the 2027 Medicare Fine Print Before Shopping
