Medicare Premiums Are Going Up in 2027—Here’s How to Prepare Now Before Open Enrollment
From premium hikes to plan changes, here's what to know before October
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026.
- The Part B premium is projected to rise to about $209.50 a month in 2027.
- Adding a Medicare Supplement and Part D plan could cost $200-$300 more monthly.
July is almost halfway over, which means that we’re getting closer and closer to the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period. But what is the open enrollment period? And what can new and returning enrollees do to prepare? Below, we share everything to know about the 2027 Medicare enrollment period, including the one thing an expert says can end up costing people $200 to $300 or more per month.
What to know about the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period
The 2027 Medicare open enrollment period takes place from October 15 to December 7, 2026. During that time, people age 65 or older can enroll, re-enroll or change plans in the government-sponsored health insurance program.
“Savvy Medicare beneficiaries can start preparing now for the upcoming annual enrollment period, including by taking advantage of any free unused preventive care benefits through their current plan and by determining if their health status or financial circumstances have changed since last enrolling in Medicare coverage,” says Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace.
She notes that beneficiaries will receive an annual notice of change letter in the coming months detailing their plan is and what they need to know about any upcoming changes.
“An important step is to review the annual ‘notice of change’ letter, which will be sent in September to Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees letting them know if their current plan will be changing or in some cases no longer available,” Stidom says. “Given the significant Medicare plan changes we’ve seen in recent years, millions of beneficiaries will want to review these letters carefully to understand how their coverage may be affected and if they will need to select a new option for 2027.”
What to know about the plans offered during the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period
Medicare comes with four plan options—A, B, C (also known as Medicare Advantage) and D, which is optional prescription drug coverage. There is also a Medicare Supplement plan, or Medigap, a private health insurance plan that covers out-of-pocket costs—like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. All plans offer different coverage.
According to Stidom, “Medicare beneficiaries who live on a fixed income and who typically live in one place year-round tend to prefer Medicare Advantage. For people who may have a little more spending power, Original Medicare [A or B] paired with a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan may be the best option.”
Anyone can change plans during open enrollment, but Stidom says the best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement is when you first become eligible (generally around your 65th birthday). “Delaying means beneficiaries will have to undergo medical underwriting and could be charged more for coverage or even declined based on the individual’s medical history.”
How much does Medicare cost in 2027?
Medicare costs for 2027 have not been announced yet, but according to the latest Medicare Trustees Report, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is projected to be around $209.50—a 3.25 percent increase from 2026. That number is just an estimate, and according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), they won’t know the actual increase until late autumn.
Even so, to help prepare for the anticipated increased cost, Stidom recommends reviewing your current plan—or reviewing the plans offered for first-time enrollees—and making sure you are only paying for what you need.
“For people who can afford it, sticking with Original Medicare and adding a Medicare Supplement plan and a standalone Part D drug plan can help beneficiaries cover many of the same gaps and out-of-pocket costs,” she says. “And unlike Medicare Advantage, which uses the insurance company’s provider network, Original Medicare allows people to see any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. However, beneficiaries who layer a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan on top of their Original Medicare coverage can expect to pay $200 to $300 or more per month.”
“It is a good idea for Medicare beneficiaries to review their plan options every year. In addition, personal health and financial situations often change, so the plan that worked in the past may not be the optimal choice this time,” she explains.
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