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Enrollment & timing

CMS Will Release the Full 2027 Medicare Plan Landscape in Mid-to-Late September

CMS announced it will publish plan-level premiums, benefit details, and cost-sharing data for every 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plan in mid-to-late September, giving beneficiaries a complete picture before the October 15 open enrollment start.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamAugust 12, 2026

When CMS released preliminary Part D bid data on July 28, 2026, it stated that the full 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plan landscape would follow in mid-to-late September. The landscape files provide plan-level data across all markets, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, drug formulary details, and supplemental benefits. That September release will be the first time beneficiaries can see the complete set of 2027 options available in their county or zip code.

The landscape files are the primary data source that populates Medicare.gov's Plan Finder, the free comparison tool that beneficiaries, counselors, and agents use to evaluate coverage options side by side. CMS also plans to release final average Medicare Advantage and Part D premium information at the same time, along with a state-by-state summary of plan availability.

CMS releases the complete 2027 Medicare plan lineup in mid-September. That is your signal to start comparing before October 15.

The 2027 open enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any plan change made during that window takes effect January 1, 2027.

For Part D standalone drug plans, the 2027 landscape is expected to show more pronounced premium increases than in recent years. The federal Premium Stabilization Demonstration, which used government funds to hold standalone drug plan premiums in check since 2025, will not continue after 2026. CMS set the 2027 national average monthly bid amount at 296 dollars and 5 cents, roughly 24 percent above the equivalent 2026 figure, suggesting meaningful variation in individual plan premiums once the landscape is published.

Beneficiaries satisfied with their current plan can still use the September landscape to verify it remains available and has not significantly changed its costs or coverage.

In plain words

CMS will put out a full list of 2027 Medicare plans in mid-to-late September. This list will show how much each plan costs, which drugs are covered, and what benefits each plan offers. You can use it to compare plans before open enrollment starts October 15. If you want to change plans, you have from October 15 to December 7. Drug plan prices may rise more than usual in 2027 because a government program that kept prices low is ending. Use the September release to see what is available in your area.

Understand the basics first

Source: CMS
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