Analysis: 2027 Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans
Article Publication Date
Summary
KFF recently released an analysis of Medicaid Part D plan (PDP) availability and premiums for 2027.
Data shows that many Part D enrollees will see modest premium increases for their current plan, while others will see steeper increases, and the number of PDP options will decline for the fourth year in a row. Key takeaways include:
• The number of stand-alone PDPs available to the average beneficiary will continue to decline, from 11 plans in 2026 to 9 plans in 2027.
• While many PDP enrollees who remain in their current plan will see premium reductions or only modest increases in 2027, others will face substantially higher premiums. The monthly premium for some plans will increase by $50 or more.
• In 2027, no zero-premium PDPs will be available to Part D enrollees who do not qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help.
KFF also analyzed the availability of Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans for 2027. On average, Medicare beneficiaries will have 28 MA-PD plans to choose from, down from 32 in 2026. This estimate excludes employer plans and special needs plans not available for general enrollment. While the decline is modest, some beneficiaries may find their current Medicare Advantage plan is no longer offered next year. MA-PD plan availability continues to vary across states.
Data shows that many Part D enrollees will see modest premium increases for their current plan, while others will see steeper increases, and the number of PDP options will decline for the fourth year in a row. Key takeaways include:
• The number of stand-alone PDPs available to the average beneficiary will continue to decline, from 11 plans in 2026 to 9 plans in 2027.
• While many PDP enrollees who remain in their current plan will see premium reductions or only modest increases in 2027, others will face substantially higher premiums. The monthly premium for some plans will increase by $50 or more.
• In 2027, no zero-premium PDPs will be available to Part D enrollees who do not qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help.
KFF also analyzed the availability of Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans for 2027. On average, Medicare beneficiaries will have 28 MA-PD plans to choose from, down from 32 in 2026. This estimate excludes employer plans and special needs plans not available for general enrollment. While the decline is modest, some beneficiaries may find their current Medicare Advantage plan is no longer offered next year. MA-PD plan availability continues to vary across states.