Handbooks · Edition 2027
2027 Medicare & You Handbook.
The official Medicare handbook for 2027, from CMS. It is free. It explains Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D drug plans, what is new for 2027, and how to compare plans. Get it here as a PDF, or in any official format below.
View at the official source · Checked against Medicare.gov on October 12, 2026.
Every official format
Medicare offers the 2027 handbook in many formats. Every one is free. These links go to Medicare.gov.
- Open on Medicare.gov
English PDF
The standard handbook. 128 pages, 3.5 MB.
- Open on es.Medicare.gov
Spanish PDF
Medicare y Usted 2027, the full Spanish handbook.
- Open large print PDF
Large print, English
Bigger type, easier to read.
- Open large print PDF
Large print, Spanish
Bigger type, in Spanish.
- Get the MP3 files
Audio (MP3), English
Listen to the handbook, one section at a time.
- Get the MP3 files
Audio (MP3), Spanish
The audio version in Spanish.
- Download the ePub
eBook (ePub), English
For e-readers, tablets, and phones.
- Download the ePub
eBook (ePub), Spanish
The eBook in Spanish.
- See ordering options
Braille and audio CD
Order by mail, in English or Spanish. Print copies also come in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- How to ask for one
Other accessible formats
You have the right to get Medicare information in a format you can use.
- Go digital
eHandbook by email
Get a link by email instead of a paper copy.
What is new in 2027
CMS lists these changes for 2027 in its fact sheet "Your Medicare in 2027: What's New & Changing" and on page 2 of the handbook. This is a short summary. Read the fact sheet for the full text.
- Telehealth at home
- Through December 31, 2027, you can get telehealth anywhere in the U.S., including your home.
- GLP-1 Bridge
- If you have Part D drug coverage and meet other rules, you may get certain GLP-1 drugs to help you lose weight. You pay a $50 copay for a one-month supply.
- ACCESS care model
- A new model for people with Original Medicare who have a long-term condition, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression. It can include virtual visits, wearable devices, and coaching. It may cost little or nothing.
- More drug prices set by Medicare
- Prices for 15 more Part D drugs that Medicare negotiated start on January 1, 2027. Ask your plan how this affects you.
- Online prior authorization
- Starting January 1, 2027, your Medicare Advantage Plan may handle prior authorization requests online. You may see the answer in your patient portal.
- New ways to log in
- You can now log in to your Medicare.gov account with ID.me, CLEARme.com, or Login.gov. These services are free.
- Who can get Medicare
- To get Part A and Part B, or join a plan, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, a green card holder, a Cuban-Haitian entrant, or lawfully living in the U.S. as a COFA migrant.
- Diabetes prevention program
- You can now go to sessions in person or online. Online sessions can be live or at your own pace.
- Drug coupon sites
- The fact sheet names TrumpRx.gov, a free site with coupon prices for some drugs. If you use a coupon instead of your Medicare coverage, it does not count toward your Medicare deductible or out-of-pocket limit.
- Health apps
- You can find apps from private companies that connect to Medicare to help you track your health.
Sources
What is inside
- What is new and important for 2027 (page 2)
- Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, side by side (page 11)
- How Medicare works (page 15)
- What Medicare covers, and what it does not (page 27)
- Original Medicare (page 61)
- Medicare Advantage Plans and other options (page 65)
- Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance (page 79)
- Part D drug coverage (page 83)
- Help paying your health and drug costs (page 95)
- Your rights and how to appeal (page 101)
- Helpful contacts (page 111) and a word list (page 119)
Read this first
Start with "What's new & important" on page 2. Then read the side by side chart on page 11. If your plan sent you an Annual Notice of Change, read it next to the handbook.
Medicare mails a printed copy to every Medicare household in late September. The PDF here is the same document. It is free from Medicare.gov too.
Getting your copy
It is free
You never have to pay for the handbook. Every format on this page is free.
When it comes in the mail
Medicare mails a printed copy to every Medicare household in late September. Keep it as a guide for the year.
Did not get yours?
You can download the PDF on this page or on Medicare.gov at any time. You can also order a printed copy, up to 5 copies at a time.
Stop the paper copy
Log in to your Medicare.gov account and pick the electronic handbook. Medicare will email you a link. You will not get a printed copy after you switch.
Getting too many copies?
Tell Medicare. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Use it during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Read the handbook, then check your plan for 2027.
Common questions
How do I get a copy of the 2027 Medicare & You handbook?
Medicare mails a free printed copy to every Medicare household in late September. You can also download the PDF on this page or on Medicare.gov at any time.
I did not get my handbook. What should I do?
Download the PDF here or on Medicare.gov. You can also order a free printed copy on Medicare.gov, up to 5 copies at a time. For help, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How do I stop getting a paper copy?
Log in to your Medicare.gov account and choose the electronic handbook in your settings. Medicare will email you a link when the new one is ready. You will not get a printed copy after that.
Is there a Spanish version?
Yes. It is called Medicare y Usted 2027. It comes as a PDF, in large print, as audio (MP3), as an eBook, and in braille and audio CD.
Can I get it in large print, audio, or braille?
Yes. Large print, MP3 audio, and eBook versions are free to download from Medicare.gov. Braille and audio CD copies can be ordered by mail.
Is the handbook the same as my plan's Annual Notice of Change?
No. The handbook comes from Medicare and explains Medicare for everyone. Your plan sends its own Annual Notice of Change about its costs and coverage for next year. Read both.