What’s changing in 2027
The changes most likely to affect what you pay next year, while you can still switch plans.
Medicare
The yearly drug cap rises to $2,400
Medicare drug plans cap what you pay for covered drugs at $2,400 in 2027, up from $2,100. The most a plan can charge as a deductible rises to $700.
Check your drugs on 2026 plansLower negotiated prices on 15 more drugs
Medicare’s negotiated prices take effect January 1 for drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, Trelegy Ellipta, Xtandi, Ibrance, Pomalyst, Ofev, Linzess, Calquence, Austedo, Xifaxan, and Vraylar. If your plan charges a percentage of the price, your share drops. The first 10 negotiated drugs, including Eliquis and Jardiance, stay lower too.
The GLP-1 Bridge continues through 2027
People with Medicare drug coverage who qualify can keep getting Wegovy or Zepbound for weight loss for $50 a month through December 31, 2027.
Who qualifiesTelehealth from home stays covered through 2027
Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities were extended through December 31, 2027, so you can keep seeing doctors by video from home.
Premiums and deductibles for 2027 come out in the fall
CMS usually announces next year’s Part B premium and Part A and B deductibles in November. Until then, 2026 amounts are the best guide.
See 2026 Medicare costsOpen enrollment ends December 7
Compare plans now: drug lists, networks, and costs change every January. Medicare Advantage members get one more chance to switch from January 1 to March 31.
Open enrollment checklist
HealthCare.gov and state Marketplaces
Tax credits stay at the pre-2021 levels
The larger credits of 2021 to 2025 expired. In 2027, households pay between 2.15% and 10.22% of income for a benchmark plan, and there’s no credit above 400% of the poverty level.
Estimate your 2027 tax creditOn HealthCare.gov, open enrollment runs November 1 to January 15
Sign up by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. A court struck down a rule that would have shortened open enrollment; the government has appealed. Either way, December 15 is the date to aim for.
Job coverage counts as affordable up to 10.22% of income
If your employer’s cheapest plan for just you costs 10.22% of household income or less, you can’t get Marketplace tax credits instead.
Medicaid
Work requirements start January 1, 2027 in most states
In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults 19 to 64 covered through the expansion must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or volunteering, or earn about $580 a month. People who are pregnant, caring for a young child or a person with a disability, medically frail, and some others are exempt. Watch your mail and keep your contact information current with your state.
Check what you qualify forMore frequent eligibility checks
Adults covered through the Medicaid expansion will have their eligibility reviewed every 6 months instead of once a year. Respond to renewal letters quickly so coverage doesn’t lapse.
From CMS’s 2027 rate announcement and negotiated drug prices, IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26, and the 2025 federal budget law’s Medicaid provisions. Amounts and dates can change; check Medicare.gov, HealthCare.gov, or your state Medicaid agency.