Updated October 27, 2026. General information, not personal insurance advice.
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Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026, and changes take effect January 1, 2027. The Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 and the maximum Part D deductible to $700. A temporary program that held down drug-plan premiums ends, so some standalone plans cost noticeably more. Review your plan even if you’re happy with it.
If you do nothing during Open Enrollment, most people stay in their current plan. But premiums, drug lists and networks change every year, so “doing nothing” can cost more in 2027. Here’s what’s changing and how to check your own plan.
Key dates
- By September 30, 2026: plans send your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), listing every change for 2027.
- October 15 – December 7, 2026: Open Enrollment. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan.
- November 2026: CMS usually announces the official Part B premium and deductible for the coming year.
- January 1, 2027: new coverage starts.
2027 costs at a glance
| Cost | 2026 | 2027 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 | Announced |
| Part D maximum deductible | $615 | $700 | Announced |
| Average standalone Part D premium | $35.09 | about $36 | CMS estimate |
| Average Medicare Advantage premium | $14.37 | about $12 | CMS estimate |
| Part B monthly premium | $202.90 | To be announced | Expected in November |
Averages hide big differences: your own plan’s premium can rise or fall far more than the average.
Part D: a higher cap and pricier plans for some
Once your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches the $2,400 cap, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of 2027. The maximum deductible rises to $700, though some plans charge less.
A temporary federal program that helped keep standalone Part D premiums down ends after 2026. That’s why some people will see sharp premium increases on the same plan, and why comparing plans matters this year.
Medicare-negotiated prices also take effect on January 1 for a second group of 15 drugs, including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. Your actual savings depend on your plan’s copay or coinsurance.
The GLP-1 Bridge: $50 a month for some weight-loss drugs
A temporary program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge runs from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027. Eligible people pay a flat $50 a month for Wegovy (injection or pill), the Foundayo pill or the Zepbound KwikPen when prescribed for weight loss.
- You need Part D coverage and prior authorization from your prescriber.
- A BMI of 35 or higher qualifies; a BMI of 27 or higher qualifies with certain conditions such as heart disease or prediabetes.
- The $50 doesn’t count toward your Part D deductible or out-of-pocket cap.
- People taking these drugs for Type 2 diabetes stay on their regular Part D coverage instead.
Medicare Advantage: lower average premiums, but check your plan
CMS estimates the average Medicare Advantage premium falls about 16.5% to roughly $12 a month, and that about 8 in 10 enrollees can keep their plan at the same or a lower premium. The other 2 in 10 face a higher premium or a plan that’s leaving their area, and some plans are trimming extra benefits such as dental.
If your Advantage plan leaves your area and you don’t choose a new one, you return to Original Medicare without drug coverage, which can lead to a Part D late-enrollment penalty if you go too long without it. A plan leaving your area can also give you special rights to buy a Medigap policy, so check your options before December 7.
How to review your plan before December 7
- Read your Annual Notice of Change. It lists 2027 changes to premiums, deductibles, drug tiers and networks.
- List your prescriptions and doses and enter them in the Medicare Plan Finder to see each plan’s total yearly cost.
- Check each drug’s tier and rules, such as new prior authorization or step therapy.
- Confirm your doctors, hospitals and pharmacy are in network, especially for Medicare Advantage.
- Compare total yearly cost: premium plus deductible plus expected copays. A low premium can still be the most expensive option.
- Get free help: every state has a free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and 1-800-MEDICARE is available 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
No. If your plan is still offered, you’re usually renewed automatically. It’s still worth reviewing, because costs and coverage change each year.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
$2,400 for covered drugs, up from $2,100 in 2026.
What will the Part B premium be in 2027?
CMS normally announces it in November. We’ll update this article when the official figure is published.
Does Medicare cover Wegovy or Zepbound for weight loss?
Through the temporary GLP-1 Bridge, eligible people with Part D coverage can get Wegovy, Foundayo or the Zepbound KwikPen for $50 a month until the end of 2027, with prior authorization.
What if my Medicare Advantage plan is leaving my area?
Choose a new plan by December 7, or you’ll return to Original Medicare without drug coverage. You may also have the right to buy a Medigap policy.
This article is general information, not personal insurance or medical advice. Check figures with Medicare.gov or your plan before making decisions.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: official Medicare information and Plan Finder
- KFF Health News: A new Medicare option for weight loss drugs: GLP-1 Bridge details
- KTTC: Medicare open enrollment begins, what to expect for 2027: Part D cap, deductible and negotiated drugs
- Actuary.info: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage landscape: premium estimates