Drug prices & Part D
Average Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Premium Projected to Rise 50 Percent for 2027, KFF Finds
A KFF analysis published today finds the average monthly premium for stand-alone Part D drug plans is on track to climb from 34 dollars to 51 dollars for 2027, with deductibles also rising sharply, for enrollees who do not switch plans before December 7.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamOctober 30, 2026
A KFF analysis published October 30, 2026 projects that the average monthly premium for Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plans will climb 50 percent in 2027, from 34 dollars to 51 dollars, for enrollees who do not switch plans during the current open enrollment period.
Premium costs vary widely across plans. The lowest-premium national stand-alone drug plan carries a monthly charge of 6.50 dollars, while the most expensive runs 204.50 dollars per month. For context, the average monthly charge for drug coverage bundled inside a Medicare Advantage plan is projected at just 9 dollars in 2027, making stand-alone plan premiums more than five times higher on average.
Average Medicare Part D stand-alone premium projected to jump 50 percent to 51 dollars a month in 2027 for enrollees who do not switch plans before December 7.
Deductibles are also increasing. The average deductible for stand-alone drug plans is projected at 643 dollars in 2027, up from 540 dollars in 2026. The maximum allowable Part D deductible rises to 700 dollars, from 615 dollars. Nearly all stand-alone drug plan enrollees, 99.8 percent, will face a deductible next year.
About 4 million enrollees currently in zero-premium stand-alone drug plans will face new monthly charges in 2027, as no zero-premium options will be available for beneficiaries who do not qualify for low-income subsidies.
Medicare open enrollment runs through December 7. During this window, beneficiaries can compare plan options at medicare.gov.
In plain words
A report from KFF looks at what Medicare drug plan costs will be in 2027. If you have a stand-alone Part D drug plan and you do not switch it, your average monthly premium could go up 50 percent. That means going from 34 dollars a month to 51 dollars a month.
The amount you pay before your plan starts helping, called the deductible, is going up too. The average deductible will be 643 dollars in 2027. This year it is 540 dollars.
About 4 million people who currently pay nothing each month for their plan will face a new premium charge in 2027, because no free plans will be available for most enrollees.
Medicare open enrollment is open right now and goes until December 7. That is the time to look at your plan options and switch if you find one that costs less at medicare.gov.
Understand the basics first
Source: KFF
Read at the source →