Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare open enrollment begins as Part D changes are set for 2027
Enrollees can choose Medicare coverage through Dec. 7, before Part D caps, deductibles and drug prices change in 2027.
Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday and runs through Dec. 7, giving people a chance to choose traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans in their area and select prescription drug coverage. Changes to coverage take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
For 2027, the annual out-of-pocket cap for Medicare Part D drugs will rise to $2,400 from $2,100 in 2026, and the standard deductible will increase from $615 to $700. A temporary federal Part D premium subsidy will end at year's end. Negotiated prices will apply to 15 drugs starting Jan. 1, including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. CMS expects the change to lower prescription drug coverage for Medicare enrollees by $685 million in 2027.
CMS projected only modest price increases for most people. AARP executive Nancy LeaMond urged enrollees to shop around and compare coverage options.
