Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment season arrives October 15, and there’s a good reason not to let your current coverage renew on autopilot. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their premiums, benefits, drug formularies, pharmacies and provider networks from one year to the next.
Here are several 2027 changes worth putting on your radar:
- The Part D out-of-pocket threshold rises to $2,400. In 2026, the threshold is $2,100. Once you reach the 2027 limit for covered Part D drugs, you pay $0 for covered prescriptions for the remainder of the year.
- The standard Part D deductible increases to $700, up from $615 in 2026. Your actual deductible can differ depending on your specific drug plan.
- Another 15 negotiated Part D drug prices take effect January 1, 2027. Medicare says the negotiated prices apply to the next group of Part D drugs selected for negotiation. Check your plan information to see whether medications you take are included.
- Prescription prior authorization is getting more digital. Beginning January 1, 2027, Medicare says plans may process prior-authorization requests electronically, with beneficiaries potentially able to view decisions through a patient portal.
- Medicare Advantage plans are changing, too. CMS finalized 2027 payment and risk-adjustment policies affecting MA plans. These changes are primarily directed at insurers, but they can contribute to changes in individual plans’ benefits, networks and costs.
What should you do?
Don’t assume your 2026 plan will look the same in 2027. Review your Annual Notice of Change, check your prescriptions, doctors and pharmacies, and compare available plans at Medicare.gov. Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7, with changes generally taking effect January 1.
One important reminder: Medicare Advantage benefits and costs vary by plan and location, so there is no single “typical” 2027 plan.
For the most up to date information about Medicare 2027, please visit Medicare.gov.
