Last updated: October 8, 2026

Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private plan approved by Medicare.

You still have Medicare, and you must keep both Part A and Part B. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage.

What does Medicare Advantage cover?

Plans cover almost all medically necessary Part A and Part B services. Some services are paid by Original Medicare instead, including hospice care, kidney transplant costs, and certain clinical research costs. Ask your plan or provider how a particular service is covered.

Plans may also offer dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or other extra benefits. These benefits, their limits, and eligibility rules vary by plan. Do not assume every plan includes the same extras.

HMOs and PPOs are common plan types. Depending on the plan, you may need network providers, specialist referrals, or prior authorization. Check your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, pharmacies, and travel needs before enrolling. Emergency and urgently needed care have special coverage protections.

What will a 2027 plan cost?

• Part B premium: You generally continue paying it. Some plans help pay part or all of this premium.
• Plan premium: This varies by plan. A $0 plan premium does not mean your care is free.
• Deductibles and cost sharing: Review charges for office visits, hospital stays, tests, and other services.
• Medical out-of-pocket limit: Each plan has a yearly limit for covered Part A and Part B services. Check the 2027 plan documents for the applicable in-network and, where relevant, combined limits.
• Drug costs: If the plan includes Part D, covered drug spending has a separate $2,400 out-of-pocket limit in 2027. Premiums and non-covered drugs do not count toward that limit.

Compare each plan's 2027 Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage. Review the Annual Notice of Change if you already have a plan. Costs, benefits, and networks can change; a national average premium does not describe your own plan.

Who can join?

You must have Part A and Part B, live in the plan's service area, and meet Medicare's citizenship, nationality, or immigration status requirements. The 2027 handbook lists the qualifying categories on pages 9 and 67. Special Needs Plans have additional eligibility conditions.

When can you enroll or change plans?

• When first eligible: You can generally join during your initial enrollment opportunity if you meet the plan's eligibility requirements.
• October 15-December 7, 2026: Fall Open Enrollment for changes effective January 1, 2027.
• January 1-March 31, 2027: If you already have Medicare Advantage, you can make one change to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a separate drug plan. This window does not let someone in Original Medicare switch into Medicare Advantage.
• Special Enrollment Periods: Certain events may allow other changes. The available options depend on the event and your circumstances.

Medigap does not pay Medicare Advantage deductibles or copayments. If you are considering returning to Original Medicare, check whether you qualify to buy Medigap before changing coverage; guaranteed-issue and trial rights have specific conditions.

Compare Medicare plans or read Medicare & You 2027, pages 65-76. Contact our office for help reviewing plans available to you.