Medicare
Medicare drug plan premiums could rise 50% in 2027 for people who don't switch
A KFF analysis projects the average stand-alone Part D premium will climb from $34 to $51 a month next year, and there will be no $0-premium drug plans, so comparing plans before December 7 matters more.
Key facts
- Average stand-alone drug plan premium projected at $51, up from $34.
- No $0-premium stand-alone plans in 2027.
- Open enrollment ends December 7.
What happened
KFF published an analysis on October 30 projecting that the average monthly premium for stand-alone Medicare Part D drug plans will rise 50%, from $34 in 2026 to $51 in 2027, if enrollees stay in their current plans. More than 4 million people are in $0-premium stand-alone plans this year, and KFF found no $0-premium plans for 2027.
Premiums for the eight national stand-alone plans range from about $6 to $204 a month. The maximum Part D deductible rises to $700, from $615, and KFF says nearly all stand-alone plan enrollees will face a deductible. People in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage will see a smaller change: the average drug portion of the premium is about $9 a month, up less than $2. KFF's Juliette Cubanski urged people to review their options. Open enrollment runs through December 7.
What it means for families
A parent who does nothing could pay much more next year, even for the same medicines. Comparing plans takes about an hour and can be done with free help.
For example: a parent in a $0 plan this year will owe a premium in 2027 no matter what, so it is worth finding the lowest-cost plan that covers their prescriptions and pharmacy.
In New York, free one-on-one Medicare counseling is available through HIICAP, the state health insurance assistance program, by calling 1-800-701-0501.
What to do this week
- Read your parent's 2027 Annual Notice of Change for their drug plan.
- Compare plans on Medicare.gov's Plan Finder using their exact medicine list and pharmacy.
- Book a free HIICAP counseling appointment before December 7.
Sources
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