Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plan Premiums Could Rise 50% to $51 Monthly in 2027 Without a Switch to Lower-Cost Coverage
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By
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kfftiffanyf
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October 30, 2026
Objective:
The article summarizes KFF projections of 2027 Medicare Part D premiums and cost-sharing requirements, including projected costs for enrollees who remain in their current plans.
Approach:
- Premium projections: Examined projected 2027 premiums for stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage plans with Part D (MA-PDs), including changes from 2026.
- Cost-sharing projections: Examined projected 2027 deductibles and whether enrollees would face coinsurance or copayments for preferred-brand and non-preferred drugs.
Key Findings:
- The average monthly PDP premium is projected to rise 50%, from $34 in 2026 to $51 in 2027; the average MA-PD drug premium is projected at $9, an increase of less than $2.
- No zero-premium PDPs are projected to be available in 2027. More than 4 million current enrollees in zero-premium PDPs who do not receive low-income subsidies would face higher premiums unless they switch to lower-cost plans.
- Projected average monthly premiums among eight national PDPs range from about $6 to $204. Centene’s Wellcare Value Script Rx is projected at $6.50, while United’s AARP Medicare Rx Preferred is projected at $204.50.
- A deductible is projected for 99.8% of PDP enrollees and 85% of MA-PD enrollees, compared with 96% and 80%, respectively, in 2026. The maximum deductible may rise from $615 to $700.
- Average deductibles are projected to increase to $643 for PDP enrollees and $489 for MA-PD enrollees, from $540 and $360 in 2026.
- Coinsurance rather than copayments is projected to apply to most Part D enrollees for preferred-brand and non-preferred drugs, potentially making out-of-pocket costs less predictable.
Interpretation:
Assuming enrollees remain in their current plans, KFF projects higher average premiums and deductibles in 2027. KFF vice president Juliette Cubanski said open enrollment carries greater stakes for people with stand-alone drug coverage who remain inactive as some plans raise premiums substantially.
Limitations:
- The figures are projections for 2027, not final reported costs.
- The analysis describes costs based on enrollees remaining in their current plans; costs may differ for people who switch plans.
Sources:
Based on findings from:
The Average Monthly Premium for Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plans Is Projected to Increase by 50% From $34 to $51 in 2027 Unless Enrollees Switch to Lower-Cost Plans
kfftiffanyf. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2026.
https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-average-monthly-premium-for-medicare-part-d-stand-alone-plans-is-projected-to-increase-by-50-from-34-to-51-in-2027-unless-enrollees-switch-to-lower-cost-plans/
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
