CMS projects decline in MA, small increase in standalone Part D premiums for 2027

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Sept. 28 that it projects declines in average premiums for Medicare Advantage and Part D in 2027. Weighted average MA premiums are expected to decline 16.5% from $14.37 in 2026 to $12.00 in 2027. The total average monthly Part D premium for standalone prescription drug plans is estimated to increase by less than $1, from $35.09 in 2026 to $36 in 2027. Following application of MA rebates, average Part D premiums for MA plans with prescription drug coverage are projected to decrease 38%, from $11.32 in 2026 to $7 in 2027.

CMS is also projecting MA enrollment to be 34 million in 2027, approximately 47% of all Medicare enrollees. Access to MA plans will remain stable in 2027, with more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries having access to at least one plan and 97% of beneficiaries having access to 10 or more MA plan choices.