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Plans are expecting Medicare Advantage enrollment of 34 million beneficiaries in 2027, or about 47.4% of all Medicare enrollees, according to a Sept. 28 CMS news release.
This would be flat compared with the 2026 projection, but actual MA enrollment was 36.1 million as of June.
CMS released early insights and projections just ahead of the open enrollment period, which will run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Here are 10 things to know from CMS:
- More than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access at least one MA offering, and 97% will have at least 10 options.
- Projections show that weighted average monthly MA premiums will drop from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027, down 16.5%.
- After rebates, the average monthly Part D total premium for MA plans with prescription drug coverage is projected to decrease from $11.32 in 2026 to $7 in 2027, a decrease of 38%.
- Supplemental benefits — such as hearing, dental and vision — are anticipated to hold steady.Â
- The average premium for standalone Part D prescription drug plans is slated to rise by less than $1 per month, from $35.09 in 2026 to $36 in 2027. CMS said “there is broad pricing stability across the Part D market,” even as the Part D Stabilization Demonstration Project winds down.
- Ninety-three percent of non-low-income beneficiaries will be able to get an enhanced Part D plan for less than $6 per month, while 88% will have access to a basic Part D plan for $10.30 or less.
- CMS said plan enrollment projections have historically underestimated actual enrollment, and the agency expects “more robust” 2027 MA enrollment than plan projections currently suggest.
- Nationally, the count of MA plans is expected to be mostly steady, with 5,553 in 2026 compared to roughly 5,532 in 2027.
- About eight in 10 MA beneficiaries should be able to stay with their current plan and have the same or a lower premium in 2027.
- Wyoming will see the steepest average MA premium increase in dollars, rising from $45.91 to $69.23 per month. Idaho’s average is climbing from $27.81 to $37.93, while Connecticut’s will grow from $16.89 to $25.31. The largest dollar decreases are expected to be in Minnesota ($69.11 to $59.40), the District of Columbia ($26.28 to $16.91) and Mississippi ($11.18 to $4.08).
The post CMS projects lower Medicare Advantage premiums in 2027 appeared first on Becker’s Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.
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đź“° This article is sourced from a trusted healthcare and insurance industry publication. Armfox Healthcare shares this for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed advisor for personalized guidance.