OnBinder
Medicare enrollees can compare 2027 coverage in Plan Finder. Enter your medications and pharmacies to see estimated annual costs. Change requests must be received by December 7, 2026 (US).
Dates and quality ratings are based on the CMS announcement of October 8, 2026.
Compare 2027 coverage options
Choose a type of coverage by considering both your choice of healthcare providers and drug costs. Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is an alternative type of coverage offered by private insurers. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
| Comparison point | Original Medicare with separate Part D | Medicare Advantage with prescription drug coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage structure | Manage basic medical coverage and a prescription drug plan separately | Manage medical and prescription drug coverage under one plan |
| Choice of healthcare providers | Use providers that accept Medicare anywhere in the US | Nonemergency care may be limited to the plan’s network |
| Premium structure | Pay Part B and a separate Part D premium | Check the Part B premium and any additional plan premium |
| Out-of-pocket limit for medical costs | No annual limit under basic coverage itself | An annual limit applies to covered medical services |
| Additional coverage | A separate premium applies if you enroll in Medigap | Extra benefits such as dental and vision vary by plan |
| When to consider it | If you want to keep a broad choice of healthcare providers | If your healthcare providers and medications meet the plan’s conditions |
| Main limitations | Review prescription drug and supplemental insurance separately | Check network and prior authorization requirements |
The suitability descriptions in the table are criteria based on coverage structure. Check actual premiums for your area and chosen plan. Keep the Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket limit for medical costs separate from prescription drug costs. Compare Medicare coverage options
Before changing plans, check whether your regular prescriptions will be covered.AI-generated image
What can you change based on your current coverage?
Use your current coverage to decide whether to change only your prescription drug plan. You can also change the type of medical coverage you have. During the fall open enrollment period, you can consider the following changes.
| Current coverage | Option to compare | What else to check |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Enroll in, change, or drop a separate Part D plan | Whether you need to keep your current prescription drug coverage |
| Original Medicare | Switch to Medicare Advantage | Healthcare provider network and whether prescription drugs are covered |
| Medicare Advantage | Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan | Overall changes in medical services and drug costs |
| Medicare Advantage | Switch to Original Medicare | Whether you can enroll in a separate Part D plan and Medigap |
You need both Part A and Part B to enroll in Medicare Advantage. A separate Part D plan requires enrollment in Part A or Part B. You must live in the service area of the plan you want to join. Check Medicare’s enrollment guidance for specific eligibility requirements. Requirements for joining a plan
What to check in the Annual Notice of Change
First, check how your current plan will change in 2027. The Annual Notice of Change is called the ANOC. Plans typically send this document in September. If you did not receive it, request it from your plan. ANOC guidance
| What to check | What to read | Where else to check |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Change in the amount due in 2027 | Cost comparison section of the ANOC |
| Deductible | Amount you pay before coverage applies | ANOC and Evidence of Coverage |
| Prescription drugs | List of covered drugs and cost tiers | 2027 formulary |
| Healthcare providers | Whether your doctor and hospital are in the network | Plan directory and the providers themselves |
| Pharmacies | Changes to available pharmacies and preferred terms | Plan pharmacy directory and costs by pharmacy |
| Continued coverage | Whether the plan is ending or reducing its service area | Separate termination notice and plan information |
A formulary is the list of prescription drugs a plan covers. Evidence of Coverage is a document explaining coverage terms. Read these documents as well for details you cannot confirm from the ANOC alone. Give healthcare providers and pharmacies the exact name of the plan you intend to join when checking with them. Yearly coverage review guidance
How to compare plans in Medicare Plan Finder
You can start comparing plans once you have your ZIP code and accurate prescription drug information ready. You can search for plans in your area without logging in. If you log in to your account, you can use saved medication and pharmacy information. Medicare Plan Finder
- Have the name of your current coverage and your ANOC ready. Write down your healthcare providers as well.
- Select 2027 as the coverage year in Plan Finder. Enter your home ZIP code.
- Select the type of coverage you want to compare. Answer questions about help with costs based on your current situation.
- Add every prescription drug you take. Match the strength, form, quantity dispensed, and refill frequency.
- Select the pharmacy you currently use. Add other pharmacies you could use for comparison.
- Compare estimated annual costs, including premiums and drug costs. Check costs by pharmacy and monthly spending too.
- Open the coverage documents for plans you are considering and check their terms. Confirm whether your healthcare providers are in the network.
- Record each plan’s name and the conditions you used for comparison. If you decide to apply, have your Medicare card information ready too.
Check your saved medication list against your current prescriptions. It may still include drugs you stopped taking or doses that have changed. You need your Medicare number and coverage start date information to apply for enrollment. Viewing comparison results does not complete an enrollment application. Medicare enrollment process
What should you use to compare prescription drug costs?
Compare estimated annual costs using the same medications and dispensing conditions. Even with a low monthly premium, you may pay more when you fill prescriptions. Displayed costs are estimates based on the information you enter. Costs can change if your prescriptions or pharmacy change.
| Item | Meaning | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Amount paid each month for insurance | Fixed cost you pay even in months when you do not fill prescriptions |
| Deductible | Amount you pay before coverage applies | Amount and drugs it applies to |
| Copayment | Fixed out-of-pocket amount paid when a prescription is filled | Amount by drug and pharmacy |
| Coinsurance | Out-of-pocket amount paid as a percentage of the drug cost | Percentage and estimated amount you would pay |
| Tier | Cost-sharing category for a drug | How each plan classifies the same drug |
| Pharmacy network | Pharmacies contracted with the plan | Whether your pharmacy is covered and offers preferred costs |
Do not treat estimated drug costs as your total medical cost budget. Review out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and hospital stays separately. If you have limited income and assets, check whether you qualify for Extra Help. Extra Help helps pay prescription drug coverage costs based on eligibility. Guidance on choosing prescription drug coverage
Is a drug covered as soon as it appears on the list?
Additional conditions may apply even if a drug is on the list of covered drugs. Check for restrictions shown next to the drug’s name. You can ask the prescribing healthcare provider about any required steps.
| Condition | Meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Prior authorization | Plan approval is required before coverage | Information the prescribing healthcare provider must submit |
| Step therapy | A designated alternative drug must be tried first | Whether it applies to your current treatment and how to request an exception |
| Quantity limits | Limit on the amount covered during a set period | Whether the prescribed quantity is within the limit |
Requests for exceptions are reviewed separately. A drug’s presence on the list does not exempt it from restrictions. Confirm the exact conditions with the plans you are considering. Prescription drug coverage restrictions
Why different dispensing frequencies change the comparison
A different dispensing frequency changes the cost comparison conditions, even for the same drug. CMS added a related warning feature in October 2026. If the selected frequency is not covered, it prompts you to check which frequencies are available. Plan Finder feature updates
- Match the strength and form as well as the drug name when comparing.
- Use the quantity and dispensing frequency that match your current prescription.
- If you see a warning that a frequency is not covered, check with the plan.
- Do not change your dosage on your own because a different dosage costs less.
