What the 2027 star ratings show
| Measure | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Average rating, Medicare Advantage drug plans (enrollment-weighted) | 3.99 (down from 4.01) |
| Members in plans rated 4+ stars | About 71% |
| MA drug plan contracts with 5 stars | 15 of 508 |
| Average rating, stand-alone drug plans | 3.22 |
Source: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings fact sheet (October 2026).
Star ratings combine measures of preventive care, chronic condition management, member experience, complaints and drug safety. They are a useful screen, but a 4-star plan whose network includes your doctors can be a better choice than a 5-star plan that doesn’t.
What to compare beyond stars
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Network | Out-of-network care may not be covered in HMOs |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | Your worst-case annual cost; up to $9,250 in-network in 2026, averaging an expected $6,603 in 2027 |
| Drug costs | Formularies and deductibles vary; the MA drug deductible is projected to average $509 in 2027 |
| Prior authorization | Almost all MA plans use it for some services |
| Extra benefits | Dental, vision and hearing allowances vary widely in value |
| Premium | Average MA premium projected at about $12 a month in 2027 |
Plan availability is shrinking in places
The average beneficiary can choose from about 28 Medicare Advantage drug plans in 2027, down from a peak of 36 in 2024. KFF estimates 638,000 people in nearly 200 mostly rural counties will have no Medicare Advantage plan. In those areas, Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D is the main option; see our Medigap guide.
The 5-star special enrollment period
If a 5-star Medicare Advantage, drug or cost plan is available where you live, you can switch into it once between December 8 and November 30 of the following year, outside the normal open enrollment.
Our shortlist method
- In the Medicare Plan Finder, filter to plans that include your doctors and drugs.
- Remove plans rated below 3.5 stars unless they’re your only option.
- Rank the rest by estimated yearly drug and premium costs.
- Compare out-of-pocket maximums and copays for care you expect to use.
- Ask your SHIP counselor how local plans handle service and prior authorization.
For the full process, see our open enrollment checklist, and compare routes in Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Medicare plan for 2027?
There’s no single best plan. The best one covers your doctors and prescriptions at the lowest total cost with good star ratings, and that varies by ZIP code.
What do Medicare star ratings mean?
CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars on quality, member experience and service. For 2027, about 71% of Medicare Advantage drug plan members are in plans with 4 or more stars.
Can I switch to a 5-star plan any time?
You can switch once into a 5-star plan between December 8 and November 30 if one is available where you live.
Are $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans good?
They can be, but check networks, copays, prior authorization and the out-of-pocket limit. A $0 premium doesn’t mean low total cost.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available?
About 5,532 nationally for 2027; the average beneficiary can choose from about 28 plans with drug cover.
Sources
- CMS – 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings fact sheet
- CMS – Medicare Advantage and Part D expected to remain stable in 2027 (Sept 2026)
- Straight Arrow News – Medicare open enrollment begins with fewer plans (Oct 2026)
- KFF – Medicare Advantage in 2026
- Iowa SHIIP – 5-star special enrollment period
- Medicare.gov – Joining a health or drug plan
- NCOA – State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.