$2,400 out-of-pocket threshold
The standard annual threshold rises from $2,100 in 2026. Once eligible out-of-pocket spending reaches the threshold, catastrophic coverage begins.
2027 Medicare Update · Reviewed October 9, 2026
What changed in Medicare for 2027?
Here are the published cost changes, updates to Medicare marketing rules, and key amounts that are still waiting for an official release. Your specific plan premium, benefits, network, and drug coverage depend on the plan available where you live.
At a glance
Published updates and pending figures
Several 2027 amounts are now official. CMS and Social Security have not yet published every annual Medicare figure.
$700 maximum standard deductible
The maximum deductible for the defined standard benefit rises from $615. A plan may charge a lower deductible or none.
Updated annual limits
The high-deductible F/G amount is $3,050. Plan K and L out-of-pocket limits are $8,360 and $4,180.
Projected Part A/B and IRMAA rates
As of October 9, 2026, final 2027 Part A/B rates and IRMAA tables had not been published. Clearly labeled projections are now available in the cost guides and estimator.
Using an estimate? The Medicare cost & IRMAA calculator uses clearly labeled 2027 projections. Actual figures await final CMS and Social Security publication and may differ. Open the projected 2027 estimator.
Prescription drug coverage
2027 Part D costs changed
CMS has published the standard benefit parameters and the national base beneficiary premium. The base premium is a calculation starting point, not a quote for an individual plan.
| Part D item | 2026 | 2027 | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum standard deductible | $615 | $700 | A plan can set a lower deductible or no deductible. |
| Annual out-of-pocket threshold | $2,100 | $2,400 | After eligible out-of-pocket spending reaches this amount, catastrophic coverage begins. |
| National base beneficiary premium | $38.99 | $41.33 | A formula input; actual Part D premiums vary by plan and can include adjustments. |
| Extra Help copay maximums for qualifying people in the 100–150% FPL category | $5.10 generic / $12.65 other | $5.80 generic / $14.40 other | Different cost-sharing rules apply to other low-income categories; many people pay less. |
The annual out-of-pocket cap generally applies to covered Part D drugs and eligible costs. Actual coverage, formulary placement, pharmacy rules, and monthly premium depend on the selected plan. Insulin and recommended adult vaccines have separate cost protections.
Read the prescription drug coverage guide or compare available plans at Medicare.gov Plan Finder.
Medigap changes
Some Medigap limits rise for 2027
These federal limits apply to the specified standardized Medigap options. They are not monthly premiums.
| Coverage limit | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| High-deductible Plan F/G annual deductible | $2,950 | $3,050 |
| Plan K annual out-of-pocket limit | $8,000 | $8,360 |
| Plan L annual out-of-pocket limit | $4,000 | $4,180 |
Review Medigap coverage and plan letters. The 2027 Part B deductible is projected at $292; the final CMS amount is pending.
CMS marketing and communications rule
Several Medicare marketing rules changed on October 1, 2026
CMS says these CY2027 marketing and communications changes apply beginning October 1, 2026. The list below summarizes its consumer-facing partner tip sheet.
- TPMO disclaimer: SHIP is removed from the listed resource wording, and the verbal disclaimer must be given before plan benefits are discussed rather than within the first minute of a call.
- Education and marketing events: A marketing event may follow an educational event in the same location when attendees are notified and have an opportunity to leave. Scope of Appointment forms may be collected at educational events.
- Appointments after an SOA: CMS removed restrictions on the time and manner of outreach, including permitting personal marketing appointments after an SOA is completed.
- Superlatives: Plans no longer need to include supporting documents with marketing materials using terms such as “best” or “most”; they may still need to provide supporting data if CMS requests it.
- Mid-year supplemental benefit notice: CMS rescinded the annual notice requirement for benefits that enrollees had not used.
- Call recording retention: The period is reduced from 10 years to 6 years. Transcripts may replace recordings for years 4 through 6.
These are summaries of CMS rules for plan marketing and communications. Agents, agencies, and plans should use the current CMS guidance and their organization’s compliance procedures for operational requirements.
New October 8, 2026
2027 Medicare Star Ratings are available
CMS released the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings on October 8, 2026. Ratings help compare health and drug service quality alongside plan benefits and costs.
Check the rating for the specific plan you are considering in Medicare Plan Finder. Compare it with your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and total costs. Ratings vary by contract; one rating does not describe every plan offered by an insurance company.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7, 2026, for 2027 coverage.
2027 projections
Plan with estimates while final figures are pending
Projected 2027 figures — not final. Actual 2027 Part A/B amounts and IRMAA tables have not been released as of October 9, 2026. Displayed projections are awaiting CMS’s final determination and applicable Social Security tables. Final amounts may differ. Use these estimates for planning only.
| Cost | 2026 final | 2027 projected |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Part B monthly premium | $202.90 | $209.50 |
| Part B annual deductible | $283 | $292 |
| Part A inpatient deductible per benefit period | $1,736 | $1,788 |
| Purchased Part A monthly premium: reduced / full | $311 / $565 | $330 / $600 |
Source: 2026 Medicare Trustees Report, Tables V.E1–V.E4 (2027 projections). The projected IRMAA estimator also explains its separately sourced estimated income thresholds. Review the Parts A & B guide and fixed premium worksheet for planning examples.
California plan availability
2027 plan counts in the counties served
Silver Path Benefits represents 7 organizations in California. The agency supplied the following 2027 county product counts on October 9, 2026. County offerings vary.
| County | Organizations | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | 7 | 81 |
| Los Angeles | 7 | 88 |
| Riverside | 7 | 57 |
| San Bernardino | 7 | 67 |
| San Diego | 7 | 58 |
| Ventura | 7 | 32 |
These agency-reported counts describe represented offerings, not every plan available in a county. They are not an independent CMS count. Availability may change. Confirm options at Medicare.gov.
Official source documents
Verify the annual details
Use federal sources for final rules and annual amounts; use Medicare Plan Finder for plan-specific premiums, benefits, networks, and formularies.
CMS 2027 county landscape and product fileCMS 2027 rate announcement and Part D benefit parametersCMS 2027 Part D base beneficiary premium informationCMS summary of CY2027 marketing guideline changesCMS high-deductible Medigap F/G announcementCMS Medigap K/L out-of-pocket limit announcementCMS 2027 projected plan premium averagesSocial Security Medicare premium updatesMedicare Plan Finder
National premium averages published by CMS are projections across plans, not quotes or a prediction of the premium in a particular county.