Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Part D Premiums Changing in 2027: Review Your Coverage This Fall

Many Medicare beneficiaries are receiving notices about their 2027 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums and may be surprised to see significant changes.

Why Are Premiums Increasing?

Medicare Part D is a voluntary federal program that helps cover outpatient prescription medications for more than 54 million beneficiaries.

For 2027, many prescription drug plan premiums are increasing because the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration program is ending. This temporary program, which began in 2025, provided subsidies to prescription drug plan sponsors and helped keep premiums lower for beneficiaries.

Of the 12 Part D plans available in Kansas, only one is expected to have a lower monthly premium in 2027 than it had in 2026.

How Much Are Premiums Changing?

Some plans are seeing substantial increases.

For example:

• One plan with a $0.00 monthly premium in 2026 will increase to $45.30 per month in 2027.

• The lowest-premium plan available in 2027 will decrease from $9.60 per month in 2026 to $5.30 per month in 2027.

These changes demonstrate why it is important to review Medicare prescription drug coverage every year.

A beneficiary who selected a $0.00 premium plan in 2026 because they were not taking any medications could see their monthly cost increase to $45.30 in 2027 if they remain enrolled in the same plan.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage can review and change their prescription drug plan during Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period:

October 15 through December 7

Any plan changes made during open enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling Available

As a Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) certified K-State Extension agent, I can provide unbiased information and resources to help you compare plans and make informed decisions about your 2027 Medicare Part D coverage. SHICK counseling is free to the public, and all personal information remains confidential.

Council Grove Appointments

Call K-State Extension at 620-767-5136.

Cottonwood Falls Appointments

Appointments are available through the Chase County Senior Center at 620-273-8511.

Beware of Medicare Scams

If you receive an unsolicited phone call, text message, or email encouraging you to call for help selecting a Medicare plan, proceed with caution.

These contacts are often scams or marketing efforts by for-profit organizations seeking to enroll you in a plan. In some cases, the plans promoted through these methods may result in higher out-of-pocket costs than other available options.

Before making changes to your Medicare coverage, verify information through trusted sources and seek guidance from qualified Medicare counselors.