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Medicare Advantage Plans 2027 Guide

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker — Last updated August 8, 2026

 

Choosing among Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 means weighing coverage, network rules, extra benefits, and cost against your own health needs and budget.

This guide walks through everything that goes into that decision — how Medicare Advantage works, what’s changing for 2027, the four main plan types, what plans typically cost, how star ratings work, and exactly when you can enroll.

If you already know what you’re looking for, you can jump straight to compare 2027 Medicare Advantage plans in your area by ZIP code. Otherwise, read on — this guide covers the full picture.

If you’re comparing insurers rather than researching the program itself, see which carriers have the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, compared side by side on cost, star ratings and availability.

And before you compare plans at all, make sure Medicare Advantage is the right path for you. Our side-by-side on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage walks through how the costs, doctor networks and switching rules differ, including the enrollment window that does not come back.

What Is Medicare Advantage? (Medicare Part C Explained)

Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. Instead of getting coverage directly through the federal government (Original Medicare), you enroll in a plan offered by a private insurance company that’s approved by and contracts with Medicare.

Every Medicare Advantage plan is required to cover everything Original Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical services) cover. Some plans in 2027 may go further, bundling in additional benefits Original Medicare doesn’t include on its own — these may include:

  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D), bundled into the plan
  • Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances for health items
  • Fitness program memberships and transportation to medical appointments

In exchange for these added benefits, most Medicare Advantage plans use a provider network — meaning your choice of doctors and hospitals may be more limited than with Original Medicare, depending on the plan type you choose.

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What's New for Medicare Advantage Plans in 2027

Every fall, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizes updated premiums, star ratings, and supplemental benefits for the coming plan year. Here’s what to watch for as 2027 Medicare Advantage plans are finalized:

  • Premium trends — average national Medicare Advantage premium direction compared to 2026, published in CMS’s annual Landscape File
  • 2027 Star Ratings — CMS’s annual 1-to-5-star quality scores, which determine which plans qualify for special enrollment opportunities (see the Star Ratings section below)
  • Supplemental benefit trends — shifts in dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, and flex card benefit amounts
  • Carrier and network changes — insurers entering or exiting specific counties and service areas for 2027

2027 Medicare Advantage plan details become public during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027.

Compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2027; plans, benefits, rates

How Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Work

Each fall, CMS scores every Medicare Advantage plan on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based on quality and performance measures, including member satisfaction, customer service, chronic condition management, and preventive care outcomes. These ratings matter for a few reasons:

  • Quality signal — a higher star rating generally reflects stronger member experience and care coordination
  • 5-Star Special Enrollment Period — if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch into it once during a special enrollment window outside the standard Annual Enrollment Period
  • Bonus payments — plans with 4+ stars receive bonus payments from CMS, which many carriers reinvest into richer supplemental benefits

2027 Star Ratings are released by CMS each October, ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period — worth checking before you enroll or styles: switch plans.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types for 2027: A Deep Dive

There are four main types of Medicare Advantage plans, each offered by different insurance companies such as Aetna and Humana, each with different network rules, costs, and flexibility. Here’s how each one actually works, plus the trade-offs of each.

Four types of Advantage plans

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

HMO plans generally require you to choose a primary care physician and get care from doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network, except for emergency or urgent care. Many HMOs bundle in Part D prescription drug coverage — if your HMO includes it, you can’t also enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.

⭐ Best For: people who want lower costs and don’t mind coordinating care through a primary doctor and staying in-network.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

PPO plans also use a network, but you can see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Most PPO plans include prescription drug coverage — check your specific medications’ cost tier and confirm your doctors accept the plan. No primary care referral is required, and costs are typically lower when you stay in-network.

⭐ Best For: people who want more flexibility to see specialists without referrals or who split time between two locations (like snowbirds).

Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans

With a PFFS plan, the plan — not a network — sets how much it pays providers, and the provider must agree to those terms for each visit. You can see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the plan’s terms, but visiting a non-participating provider can mean significantly higher costs. Some PFFS plans include Part D coverage; if not, you can enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.

⭐ Best For: people in rural areas with fewer network-based plan options available.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

SNPs restrict enrollment to people who meet specific eligibility criteria — a qualifying chronic condition, dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, or residence in an institution. Most operate like an HMO with a defined network and a care coordinator, and every SNP is required to include Part D prescription coverage. Benefits and provider networks are built around the condition or population the plan serves.

⭐ Best For: people managing a qualifying chronic condition (like diabetes or heart failure) or who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

 

2027 Medicare Advantage Plans Comparison Chart

The four plan types side by side on the rules that actually change what you pay and who you can see.

Plan type Network rules Referral needed Out-of-network care Part D included
HMO Must use the plan’s network; primary care physician generally required Usually yes, for specialists Emergency and urgent care only Usually — if it is, you cannot add a separate Part D plan
PPO Network preferred, but you may go outside it No Covered, at a higher cost share Usually — verify your drugs and their tiers
PFFS No network in most cases; the plan sets payment terms No Any Medicare provider who accepts the plan’s terms, checked visit by visit Sometimes — if not, you can add a stand-alone Part D plan
SNP Network-based, usually HMO-style, with a care coordinator Usually yes Emergency and urgent care only Always — required for every SNP

These are the general rules for each type. Individual plans vary, so confirm network, referral and drug coverage details in the specific plan’s 2027 Summary of Benefits before enrolling. Plan-level details for 2027 publish October 1, 2026.

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What to Compare in a 2027 Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage Plans 2027 Comparison

Comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage plans side by side is the only way to see which one actually fits your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget – because two plans in the very same ZIP code can differ by thousands of dollars a year.

Here’s exactly what to compare, and how to line the plans up so the right one is easy to spot.

These are the factors that decide your real cost and quality of care. Weigh every plan against all of them – not just the premium:

  • Monthly premium – many Medicare Advantage plans are $0, but $0 doesn’t always mean the lowest total cost.
  • Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) – the yearly cap that protects you if you get sick. Lower is better.
  • Provider network – confirm your doctors and hospitals are in-network. HMO vs PPO makes a big difference here.
  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D) – check each plan’s formulary for your specific medications and their tiers.
  • Extra benefits – dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, fitness, and transportation vary widely from plan to plan.
  • CMS Star Rating – Medicare’s 1–5 quality score. A 4+ rating signals a well-run plan.
  • Plan type & rules – HMO, PPO, PFFS, or a Special Needs Plan (SNP), and whether referrals or prior authorization are required (see the chart below).

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans 2027 Side by Side

  1. Enter your ZIP code on this page to show 2027 plans available in your county.
  2. Filter by what matters most to you – $0 premium, a specific carrier, or plan type.
  3. Line the plans up on the factors above: premium, MOOP, network, drugs, extras, and star rating.
  4. Confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are on the formulary.
  5. Compare the total estimated yearly cost – not just the monthly premium – then check the star rating.

Availability and cost vary enormously by state and county, which is why a national comparison only takes you so far. Florida is the clearest example, with one of the largest and most competitive markets in the country — our guide to Medicare Advantage plans in Florida covers which carriers compete there and how coverage differs between the metros and the rural counties.

Cigna no longer sells Medicare plans under its own name. If you held a Cigna plan or are seeing the HealthSpring name for the first time, here is what happened to Cigna Medicare and who runs those plans now.

Use the quick reference below to see how the 2027 plan types stack up, then compare the plans in your area by ZIP code or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-855-454-9051 (TTY 711).

2027 Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison at a Glance

Plan Type Network Rule See Any Doctor? Rx Included? Referral Needed?
HMO In-network only (except emergencies) No Usually yes Often, for specialists
PPO In-network preferred, out-of-network allowed at higher cost Yes, at higher cost out-of-network Usually yes No
PFFS Plan sets payment terms; provider must accept Any Medicare-approved provider who accepts plan terms Sometimes No
SNP Tailored network for qualifying condition/status No Usually yes Often

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare vs. Medicare Supplement

One of the most common points of confusion is how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare and from Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance. Here’s the short version:

  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is run directly by the federal government. You can see almost any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide, but it doesn’t cap your out-of-pocket costs and doesn’t include prescription drug, dental, vision, or hearing coverage on its own.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that typically uses a network, caps your annual out-of-pocket spending, and often bundles in drug coverage and extra benefits.
  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare — not instead of it — to help cover the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind, like copays and coinsurance. Medigap generally doesn’t use networks and doesn’t include extra benefits or drug coverage; you’d need a separate Part D plan.
Medicare advantage vs original Medicare

What Do 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?

  • Monthly premium: many 2027 Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 premiums, but availability depends on your area and carrier — you’ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium
  • Deductibles & copays: vary by plan; always confirm against the plan’s Summary of Benefits before enrolling
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: all Medicare Advantage plans are required to cap your annual out-of-pocket costs, unlike Original Medicare alone
  • Extra benefits: dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and fitness benefits vary widely by plan and ZIP code

A simple way to think about it: a low or $0 premium plan isn’t automatically the cheapest option overall. Look at the total picture — premium, deductible, copays, and your specific prescriptions — before comparing plans on price alone.

View plans & benefits for your zip code

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods for 2027

New to Medicare?

The best time to enroll in a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.

Coverage begins the first of the month after you enroll.

Already Enrolled in Medicare?

You can switch to or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027.

Already in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Current MA enrollees also get the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 – March 31, to switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare — once per year.

Medicare advantage plans enrollment period 2027

Who Should Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage tends to be a good fit if you:

  • Want dental, vision, hearing, or OTC benefits bundled into one plan (*not available in all plans)
  • Are comfortable using a network of doctors and hospitals
  • Want a cap on your annual out-of-pocket medical costs
  • Prefer a single monthly premium instead of separate Medigap and Part D premiums

Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement may be a better fit if you:

  • Travel frequently or split time between multiple states
  • Want the widest possible choice of doctors and specialists nationwide with minimal network restrictions
  • Prefer more predictable, capped out-of-pocket costs per service over bundled extra benefits

Quality is the one dimension Medicare scores for you. Only eighteen contracts nationwide currently hold five stars, and our guide to top rated Medicare Advantage plans lists every one of them, explains what the ratings measure, and covers the enrollment rule that applies only to 5-star plans.

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Medicare Advantage Plans 2027 — Frequently Asked Questions

➤What’s new for Medicare Advantage plans in 2027?

Each fall, CMS finalizes updated premiums, star ratings, and supplemental benefits for the coming plan year. 2027 plan details are released to the public during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15–December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027.

➤How much do Medicare Advantage plans cost in 2027?

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 monthly premiums, though availability depends on your ZIP code and the carriers in your area. You’ll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium regardless of which plan you choose.

➤When can I enroll in a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027. If you’re new to Medicare, you can also enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.

➤What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D and extra benefits into one plan, typically using a provider network. Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare and generally don’t use networks, but don’t include extra benefits or drug coverage.

➤Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans every year?

Yes. You can switch during AEP (October 15–December 7). There’s also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 for current MA enrollees to make one additional switch.

➤Do all Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage?

Most do, but not all. If a plan doesn’t include Part D drug coverage, you can typically enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan separately — but if your Medicare Advantage plan already includes drug coverage, you generally can’t also enroll in a separate Part D plan.

➤What happens if I move to a different state or county?

Moving outside your plan’s service area typically triggers a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to choose a new Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare outside of the standard enrollment windows.

➤Are Medicare Advantage star ratings the same every year?

No. CMS recalculates star ratings annually based on the most recent performance and satisfaction data, so a plan’s rating for 2027 may differ from its 2026 rating — it’s worth checking each year even if you’re happy with your current plan.

➤What should you compare when choosing a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan?

Focus on the factors that drive your real cost and care: the monthly premium and maximum out-of-pocket, whether your doctors are in-network, whether your medications are covered, the extra benefits included (dental, vision, hearing, and more), and the plan’s star rating.

➤How do I compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2027?

Enter your ZIP code to below on this page to see plans available in your county, then compare them by premium, maximum out-of-pocket, provider network, drug coverage, extra benefits, and CMS star rating.

Before you choose, confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are on the plan’s formulary.

➤Is there a tool to compare 2027 Medicare Advantage plans side by side?

Yes – right on this website! Just enter your ZIP code above to line up the 2027 Medicare Advantage plans available in your area side by side, or call one of our licensed insurance agents at 1-855-454-9051 (TTY 711) to walk through the comparison with you.

Have Questions?

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051

TTY users 711

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Find & Compare Plans Online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

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