2026 vs 2027 at a glance
| Part D item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Standard deductible (maximum) | $615 | $700 |
| National base beneficiary premium | $38.99/month | $41.33/month |
| Late enrollment penalty per month uncovered (1% of base premium) | about $0.40 | about $0.40 |
The cap and deductible were set in CMS's 2027 rate announcement, and CMS published the 2027 base premium in July 2026. Part B figures for 2027 are different: CMS had not announced them when this page was reviewed.
What the numbers mean
- Out-of-pocket cap: once your spending on covered drugs reaches the cap, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year. The cap counts what you pay and certain help (such as Extra Help and state drug assistance) but not your monthly premium.
- Deductible: $700 is the most a plan can charge before cost-sharing begins. Many plans charge less, and some have no deductible on some drugs.
- Base premium: this is a starting point, not what you pay. Your premium depends on the plan you choose. The base premium also sets the late-enrollment penalty.
Why your plan may cost more
Federal rules limit how fast the base premium can rise (6% a year through 2029), which is why it moved from $38.99 to $41.33. A federal demonstration that lowered premiums in 2025 and 2026 is not expected to continue, so many plans are likely to cost more. Check your Annual Notice of Change and compare alternatives.
Late enrollment penalty example
The penalty is 1% of the base premium for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage, rounded to the nearest 10 cents. For example, 24 months without coverage in 2027 is 24% of $41.33, about $9.90 a month, added to your premium for as long as you have Part D.
What to do now
- Open your plan's Annual Notice of Change and note the 2027 premium, deductible, and your drugs' tiers.
- Re-check every prescription and your pharmacy at Medicare.gov/plan-compare.
- Switch before December 7 if a better plan exists. See the open enrollment checklist.
- If your income is limited, see Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.