Medicare Part D Changes in 2027: What We Know So Far
Medicare Part D Changes in 2027: What We Know So Far
A recent Medicare announcement has raised questions about possible changes to prescription drug plan costs in 2027.
The most important thing to know is this: No action is needed right now, and your 2026 coverage is not changing.
Here is what has been announced, who may be affected, and what you should watch for this fall.
Who could be affected?
This announcement primarily affects people enrolled in a separate, stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
In 2025 and 2026, a temporary federal program helped limit premium increases for participating stand-alone Part D plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that this program will end after 2026.
Without that additional premium stabilization, some stand-alone Part D plans could have higher premiums or other changes in 2027. However, we do not yet know how individual plans will be affected.
What if your drug coverage is included in a Medicare Advantage plan?
The ending of this specific premium stabilization program does not apply to prescription drug coverage included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans can still make their usual annual changes to:
Premiums and out-of-pocket costs
Medical and prescription drug benefits
Provider and pharmacy networks
Formularies and drug coverage
Your plan will send an Annual Notice of Change in September explaining what will change for 2027. Be sure to keep that notice and review it carefully.
What do we know about 2027 Part D premiums?
CMS has announced that the national base beneficiary premium for Medicare Part D will increase from $38.99 in 2026 to $41.33 in 2027.
This is a starting point used to calculate plan-specific Part D premiums. It is not necessarily the monthly premium you will pay.
Your actual premium will depend on your specific plan and other factors. CMS expects finalized 2027 plan information to become available in mid-to-late September.
What should you do now?
For now, continue using your current coverage as usual.
When your Annual Notice of Change arrives in September:
Keep it with your important Medicare documents.
Review any changes to premiums, costs, covered medications, pharmacies, or plan benefits.
Make note of anything that may affect your prescriptions or budget in 2027.
This announcement does not:
Change your 2026 coverage
Eliminate the Extra Help program
Require you to change plans now
There is no benefit to worrying about plan-specific changes before the finalized information becomes available.
I will continue monitoring the 2027 Medicare plan information and sharing updates as we learn more. My goal is to help you understand what matters, what requires your attention, and what can wait, without feeling overwhelmed by every new Medicare announcement.
Feeling unsure about how upcoming Medicare changes may affect you?
My Benefits Clarity Session provides a personalized place to ask questions, understand what deserves your attention, and feel more confident about your next steps.
https://almost65benefitsadvisors.com/book/benefits-clarity-session
This information is educational and reflects information available as of August 4, 2026. Plan details and Medicare guidance are subject to change.
Source: CMS Medicare Part D 2027 National Average Monthly Bid Amount Information
