Clinical Scorecard: Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plan Premiums Could Rise 50% to $51 Monthly in 2027 Without a Switch to Lower-Cost Coverage

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• KFF projects the average monthly premium for stand-alone prescription drug plans to rise from $34 in 2026 to $51 in 2027, a 50% increase.
• The projected average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans offering Part D coverage is $9 in 2027, compared with $51 for stand-alone plans.
• No zero-premium stand-alone plans are projected to be available in 2027; more than 4 million people are currently enrolled in such plans.
• The maximum Part D deductible may rise from $615 in 2026 to $700 in 2027; projected average deductibles are $643 for stand-alone plan enrollees and $489 for Medicare Advantage Part D enrollees.
• Coinsurance rather than copayments will apply to preferred brands and non-preferred drugs for most Part D enrollees.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Management

• The article says enrollees can compare plans and switch to lower-premium coverage during open enrollment, which continues through December 7.
• KFF vice president Juliette Cubanski said people facing sizable premium increases must act to avoid paying considerably more.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Risks

• Most stand-alone plan enrollees who do not receive low-income subsidies are projected to face higher premiums unless they switch; the average projected increase is $17 per month.
• Based on enrollees remaining in their current plans, 99.8% of stand-alone plan enrollees and 85% of Medicare Advantage Part D enrollees are projected to have deductibles of several hundred dollars in 2027.
• Coinsurance rather than copayments will apply to preferred brands and non-preferred drugs for most Part D enrollees, potentially making out-of-pocket costs less predictable.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Medicare Part D enrollees, including stand-alone prescription drug plan and Medicare Advantage Part D enrollees; the article notes that projections for higher premiums apply to most stand-alone plan enrollees who do not receive additional low-income subsidies.

For 2027, projected average monthly premiums are $51 for stand-alone plans and $9 for Medicare Advantage Part D coverage. Projected average deductibles are $643 and $489, respectively. The article describes plan-cost projections and enrollment choices, not medication prescribing.

Clinical Best Practices

Related Resources & Content

• KFF analysis of Medicare Part D premiums and cost-sharing requirements for 2027, as summarized in the supplied article