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If you have a stand-alone Medicare drug plan, check your 2027 premium before December 7. CMS projects the average premium will rise less than $1, from $35.09 to $36 a month. But that average hides big swings. KFF found that people who stay in AARP Medicare Rx Preferred will pay at least $50 more a month in every state, and that there will be no $0-premium stand-alone drug plans in 2027 for people who don't get Extra Help. Here's how the major national plans are changing and what you can do about it.
📋Quick Summary
- CMS projects the average stand-alone drug plan premium will rise less than $1, to $36 a month in 2027.
- People who stay in AARP Medicare Rx Preferred face increases of $50 or more a month in every state, and more than $75 in 37 states.
- All 4 million people without Extra Help who paid $0 for a stand-alone drug plan in 2026 will pay a premium in 2027, whether they stay or switch.
- Some plans, like Wellcare Value Script, will see small changes or even decreases in many states.
- If you get drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, these stand-alone plan changes likely don't affect you.
Why Some Drug Plan Premiums Are Jumping
CMS projects the average stand-alone drug plan premium will rise less than $1, from $35.09 in 2026 to $36 in 2027. Many people will see modest changes like that. Others won't.
CMS ended a program for 2027 that had capped how much stand-alone drug plan premiums could rise from one year to the next, called the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration. KFF says the loss of $0-premium plans and increases of more than $50 are possibly related to that program ending. KFF also found that ending it did not result in substantially higher premiums across the board.
People who paid nothing in 2026 are affected too. KFF found there will be no $0-premium stand-alone drug plans in 2027 for people who don't get the low-income subsidy, which Medicare calls Extra Help. About 4 million stand-alone plan enrollees without it paid no monthly premium in 2026, and all of them will face higher premiums in 2027 whether they keep their plan or switch.
You'll also have fewer plans to pick from. The average person on Medicare can choose from 9 stand-alone drug plans in 2027, down from 11.
Your plan's Annual Notice of Change shows any changes in costs and coverage for 2027. If your premium is going up a lot, you can switch to a different drug plan during Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, and your new plan starts January 1.
Plan by Plan: The Big National Drug Plans in 2027
KFF looked at what happens to people who stay in their current national drug plan for 2027. Changes vary by state, so check your own plan's premium.
Premium changes KFF reports for people who stay in their plan
| Plan | 2027 premium change |
|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Rx Preferred | $50 or more a month in all 50 states and D.C., including more than $75 in 37 states and more than $100 in 4 |
| AARP Medicare Rx Saver | $50 or more a month in 33 states; $10.30 more a month in 3 states for people who paid $0 in 2026 |
| Humana Basic Rx | $6.30 to $30.60 more a month in 28 states for people who paid $0 in 2026 |
| Humana Value Rx | $17.20 to $22.30 more a month in 5 states for people who paid $0 in 2026 |
| Wellcare Value Script | For people without Extra Help, decreases of up to $17.50 a month in 29 states and increases of up to $5.30 in 22 states |
| Wellcare Classic | $7.30 more a month in 16 states for people who paid $0 in 2026 |
| HealthSpring Assurance Rx | $9.30 to $14.70 more a month in 11 states for people who paid $0 in 2026 |
Source: KFF analysis of CMS data. Figures are for people who stay in the same plan. KFF reports figures for 7 of the 8 national plans in its text.
The two AARP-branded plans together had more than 2 million members without Extra Help in 2026.
Related Medicare Updates
Who These Changes Don't Affect
If you get your drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, these stand-alone plan changes likely don't apply to you. In 2026, 56 percent of Part D enrollees were in Medicare Advantage drug plans, and KFF says it's likely that most of them will be in plans charging zero premium in 2027. Still, review your plan's Annual Notice of Change. CMS says plan costs and benefits can change from year to year.
Several of KFF's figures are for people who don't get Extra Help, the low-income subsidy. Extra Help helps qualifying people pay Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. If you get it, see our guide to help with Medicare costs.
How to Avoid a Premium Jump
- Compare plans on Medicare's Plan Finder using your exact drugs and pharmacy.
- Look past the premium. Premiums are only one feature. Check which of your drugs are covered, what tier they're on, and the deductible and cost sharing.
- Know the 2027 limits. The standard Part D deductible rises to $700, and the yearly out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400. Our Part D guide explains the cap.
- Switch by December 7 so your new plan starts January 1.
- Get free, unbiased help comparing plans from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
✅What This Means For You
If you're in AARP Medicare Rx Preferred: Expect to pay at least $50 more a month if you stay. Compare other plans before December 7.
If you paid $0 for your drug plan this year and don't get Extra Help: You'll pay a premium in 2027 whether you stay or switch, so look for the lowest total cost for your drugs, not just the lowest premium.
If you're in Medicare Advantage with drug coverage: These stand-alone plan changes likely don't affect you, but check your plan's Annual Notice of Change anyway.
If your income is limited: Extra Help can lower your drug plan costs. See if you qualify.
Explore Further
Common questions about 2027 Medicare drug plan premiums
- Why is my Medicare drug plan premium going up in 2027?
- CMS ended a program that had limited how much stand-alone drug plan premiums could rise each year. KFF says that's possibly related to the loss of $0 plans for people without Extra Help and to increases of more than $50 for some plans.
- How much is AARP Medicare Rx Preferred going up in 2027?
- KFF found people who stay in the plan will pay at least $50 more a month in every state and D.C., more than $75 more in 37 states, and more than $100 more in 4 states.
- Are there still $0 premium Medicare drug plans in 2027?
- Not for people without Extra Help. KFF found there will be no $0 premium stand-alone drug plans for enrollees who don't get the low-income subsidy, and all 4 million who paid no premium in 2026 will pay more whether they keep their plan or switch. Most people in Medicare Advantage drug plans are likely to be in plans that charge a zero premium.
- What is the average Medicare drug plan premium in 2027?
- CMS projects the average stand-alone drug plan premium will rise less than $1, from $35.09 in 2026 to $36 in 2027.
- Can I switch drug plans if my premium goes up?
- Yes, if you're in Original Medicare. During Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, you can switch to another Medicare drug plan, and your new plan starts January 1.
