A Medicare Advantage plan advertising a $0 monthly premium might sound like a great deal, especially if you’re retired and watching every dollar. But what happens when you need an MRI, spend several days in the hospital, or discover that your regular prescriptions cost more than expected? Suddenly, the plan that looked cheapest on paper may become one of your biggest monthly expenses.
With Medicare Open Enrollment beginning October 15, 2026, beneficiaries have an opportunity to compare coverage for 2027 before making a decision. Average Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to decrease by an average of 16.5% next year, from $14.37 to $12 per month. The projected premium decrease doesn’t guarantee that every Medicare Advantage enrollee will save money in 2027. Individual plans can change their deductibles, copayments, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage from one year to the next.
