Important: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or SHIBA for all options. Figures below come from CMS April 2026 announcements and may be updated when 2027 plan bids publish.
Quick answer
For plan year 2027, CMS raised the Part D out-of-pocket cap to about $2,400 (from $2,100 in 2026) and the standard Part D deductible to $700. The Inflation Reduction Act's three-phase drug benefit (no donut hole) is now codified in federal rules. Medicare Advantage plans received a finalized payment increase of roughly 2.48%—but your premium and benefits still depend on the specific plan you choose in Clark County. Enroll during AEP October 15–December 7, 2026 for January 1, 2027 coverage.
On April 6, 2026, CMS released the Contract Year 2027 final rule and the 2027 Rate Announcement. If you are in Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, or anywhere in Clark County, these changes shape the plans you will compare this fall—even though official 2027 benefit booklets are not out yet.
Part D in 2027: cap, deductible, and no donut hole
The biggest surprise I hear from clients: they think the drug cap stayed at $2,000 forever. It does not. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the annual out-of-pocket threshold is indexed each year.
| Part D feature | 2026 | 2027 (CMS projection) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual out-of-pocket cap (RxMOOP) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Standard deductible | $615 | $700 |
| Coverage gap ("donut hole") | Eliminated | Eliminated (codified in 2027 rule) |
| Catastrophic phase cost sharing | $0 after cap | $0 after cap |
CMS also finalized permanent rules for the Manufacturer Discount Program and other Inflation Reduction Act mechanics that replaced older coverage-gap discounts. For most people this is background noise—but it confirms the simplified three-phase benefit is here to stay. See our 2026 Medicare overview for how the cap worked entering this year.
Medicare Advantage payments: what 2.48% actually means
CMS projected a 2.48% increase (~$13 billion) in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027—much higher than the near-flat figure in the January advance notice. A major reason: CMS kept the current risk-adjustment model rather than adopting a steeper update that was proposed earlier.
What I tell Vancouver clients: this is plan economics, not a promise of lower premiums or richer dental benefits. Some plans may hold benefits steady; others may still raise copays or tighten networks. Your job in AEP is to read the 2027 Evidence of Coverage for your plan—and compare alternatives. If you use The Vancouver Clinic, verify network status again for 2027 when directories update.
Star Ratings changes for 2027
- CMS is streamlining Star Ratings by removing 11 administrative measures where plans scored similarly.
- CMS is not implementing the "Excellent Health Outcomes for All" reward factor for 2027 Star Ratings.
- A new depression screening and follow-up measure enters the quality set—reflecting behavioral health priorities.
Star Ratings still influence quality bonus payments and can affect plan benefits—but they should never be the only reason you pick coverage. Fit with your doctors and drug costs comes first.
What is NOT announced yet (watch this fall)
- 2027 Part B premium and deductible — typically released late 2026
- IRMAA income brackets for 2027 — based on prior tax years; announced in fall
- Specific plan premiums, copays, and networks — published when carriers release 2027 plan documents (September–October)
Use our mid-year checklist now so you are ready when 2027 booklets drop.
Your timeline: June 2026 → January 2027
Review doctors, meds, and EOBs. Book a preview appointment.
2027 marketing season begins; new agent marketing rules take effect (see our companion post).
AEP — enroll for January 1, 2027 coverage.
2027 plan year begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap in 2027?
For 2027, CMS projects the Medicare Part D maximum out-of-pocket (RxMOOP) threshold at $2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026. After you reach that amount in true out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs, you pay $0 for formulary drugs for the rest of the calendar year. The cap is indexed annually under the Inflation Reduction Act.
When do 2027 Medicare plan changes take effect?
Coverage you select during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15 through December 7, 2026 generally takes effect January 1, 2027. Plan documents and formularies for 2027 publish in early fall—compare before you enroll.
Will Medicare Advantage premiums go down in 2027 because of CMS payment increases?
Not necessarily. CMS finalized about a 2.48% increase in Medicare Advantage plan payments for 2027, but each carrier sets premiums, copays, networks, and supplemental benefits locally. Always compare your specific plan's 2027 Evidence of Coverage rather than assuming costs will drop.
Free 2027 plan preview
I will compare your current coverage against what we know about 2027—and flag anything that should change at AEP.