Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027 — Dental, Vision & Prescription Drug Coverage

Financial Disclaimer

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, medical, financial or legal advice. Medicare Advantage premiums, benefits, provider networks, drug formularies and plan availability vary by ZIP code, county, insurer and individual plan, and can change from year to year — including between 2026 and 2027. Nexuora is not an insurance agency, does not sell Medicare plans, and is not connected with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program. Always confirm current details directly through Medicare.gov, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or a licensed agent before enrolling in or switching plans.

Introduction

Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan for 2027 means comparing more than a monthly premium — dental allowances, vision benefits, prescription drug formularies, provider networks and out-of-pocket maximums can all look meaningfully different from one plan to the next, even within the same ZIP code. The 2026–2027 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, with any changes taking effect January 1, 2027, and CMS has confirmed several plan-year changes that make this a particularly important year to actually review your options rather than let your current plan auto-renew.

This guide explains what's changing for the 2027 plan year, how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare and Medigap, and what to actually compare across dental, vision, prescription drug and network benefits before you enroll. Because plan availability and benefits vary so significantly by location, this article won't name a single "best" nationwide plan — instead, it explains the comparison process so you can identify the strongest option available in your specific area.

What Is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare, rather than through Original Medicare (Parts A and B) directly. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most also bundle in prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra benefits not included in Original Medicare, such as routine dental, vision and hearing coverage, and sometimes fitness or over-the-counter allowances.

In exchange, most Medicare Advantage plans use a provider network — commonly an HMO or PPO structure — and may require referrals or prior authorization for certain services, which is different from Original Medicare's generally open access to any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide.

What Changes for the 2027 Plan Year?

Based on CMS guidance and Medicare Trustees projections reported as of September 2026, several changes are expected to affect the 2027 plan year. Some figures below are projections or reported estimates rather than finalized numbers — CMS typically confirms final 2027 premium and cost-sharing figures in the fall before AEP begins, so verify exact numbers through Medicare.gov or your plan's official materials once available.

• Part D out-of-pocket cap becomes a permanent ongoing feature. The annual out-of-pocket cap on covered Part D prescription drug costs — established under the Inflation Reduction Act — continues into 2027 as a standing part of the program, with the cap amount adjusted annually (commonly reported in the $2,000–$2,400 range depending on the year and source; confirm the exact 2027 figure through Medicare.gov).
• Part B premium and deductible are projected to increase. The standard Part B premium was $202.90/month in 2026, with 2027 estimates from various sources ranging roughly from $209.50 to $221/month; the annual Part B deductible was $283 in 2026, with 2027 estimates around $310. These are projections pending CMS's official announcement.
• Part A hospital deductible is forecast to change modestly for the 2027 benefit period, with early estimates in the range of roughly $1,788–$1,810, pending CMS confirmation.
• CMS eliminated the "significance" threshold for provider network departures. Previously, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for a network change generally required a meaningful reduction in providers; for 2027, if your specific doctor leaves your plan's network, that alone can qualify you for a SEP, regardless of how many other providers remain in-network.
• Continued plan consolidation and market exits. Several insurers have reduced their Medicare Advantage footprint or exited certain counties for 2026–2027, particularly in rural and lower-density markets. If your plan is not renewing, you'll receive a non-renewal notice and generally qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to select new coverage.
• Marketing rule changes. CMS marketing restrictions on insurers and third-party agents loosen starting October 1, 2026, which is generally expected to increase the volume of mail, calls and advertising beneficiaries receive during this AEP.

Because Medicare Advantage and Part D plans update their premiums, formularies, provider networks and supplemental benefits every year, your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) — which plans are required to mail by September 30, 2026 — is the single most reliable document for understanding exactly how your specific plan is changing for 2027.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

Because plan availability is determined by your county, the most reliable way to compare options is through Medicare's official Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/plan-compare, which lets you filter by your specific ZIP code, current medications, preferred pharmacies and doctors. When comparing plans, prioritize:

• Whether your current doctors and hospitals are in-network under each plan you're considering, not just whether the plan has a large network overall
• Whether your specific prescriptions are covered and at what tier/copay, since formularies differ significantly between plans
• The plan's Star Rating (1 to 5 stars, updated annually by CMS based on quality and member experience metrics) — plans rated 4–5 stars generally reflect stronger quality performance, and a 5-star plan in your area can be joined via a special year-round enrollment period outside the standard AEP window
• Total estimated annual cost, not just the monthly premium — factor in deductibles, copays, coinsurance and the plan's out-of-pocket maximum based on your expected usage
• Supplemental benefits you'll actually use, such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness or over-the-counter allowances, comparing the real annual limits rather than the marketing headline

Dental Coverage: Benefits, Limits and Exclusions

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, which is one of the most common reasons people choose Medicare Advantage. However, dental benefits vary enormously between Medicare Advantage plans:

• Some plans include only preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) with no coverage for major work like crowns, root canals or dentures
• Other plans offer a comprehensive dental benefit with an annual allowance (commonly ranging from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the plan) that can be applied toward major procedures
• Many plans require you to use a specific dental network to receive full benefits, and out-of-network dental care may not be covered at all or covered at a reduced rate
• Annual maximum benefit amounts reset each calendar year and unused amounts typically do not roll over

Because dental benefit generosity varies so widely — and is one of the features insurers most commonly adjust year to year — reviewing your plan's specific 2027 dental allowance in its ANOC or Evidence of Coverage is essential rather than assuming last year's benefit carried over unchanged.

Vision Coverage: Exams, Glasses and Limitations

Original Medicare covers limited vision-related services (such as an annual eye exam for diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma testing for at-risk individuals) but generally does not cover routine eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. Medicare Advantage vision benefits commonly include:

• An annual routine eye exam, often with a modest or no copay within network
• An allowance toward eyeglass frames and lenses or contact lenses, typically ranging from roughly $100 to a few hundred dollars annually depending on the plan
• Coverage limitations if you go outside the plan's designated vision network

As with dental, the specific dollar allowance and network rules differ by plan and by insurer, and should be confirmed directly for the 2027 plan year rather than assumed from prior coverage.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Most Medicare Advantage plans include integrated Part D prescription drug coverage (these are often called MA-PD plans). Key things to compare for 2027:

• Formulary tier placement for your specific medications — the same drug can be a low-cost generic tier on one plan's formulary and a higher-cost specialty tier on another
• The annual out-of-pocket cap on covered Part D drug costs, which continues as a standing feature of the program for 2027 under the Inflation Reduction Act's Part D redesign
• Preferred vs. standard pharmacy networks, since using a preferred pharmacy can significantly lower your copay for the same medication
• Whether prior authorization or step therapy applies to any of your current prescriptions under the plan's 2027 formulary

Because formularies are updated annually, a medication that was affordably covered in 2026 could move to a different tier — or require prior authorization — under the same plan's 2027 formulary. Review your ANOC's drug list changes carefully if you take regular prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Figures above reflect confirmed 2026 amounts and reported 2027 projections as of September 2026, drawn from Medicare Trustees Report projections and industry reporting. CMS typically finalizes official 2027 premium and cost-sharing amounts in the fall ahead of AEP — confirm final figures directly at Medicare.gov before making enrollment decisions.

Remember that even with a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, you still pay the standard Part B premium — the $0 refers only to the plan's own additional premium, not your total Medicare cost.

HMO vs. PPO Plans

Provider Networks and Keeping Your Doctors

One of the most common enrollment mistakes is assuming a plan's network hasn't changed simply because you didn't receive a specific notice. Provider networks are updated annually, and a doctor or hospital in-network in 2026 is not guaranteed to remain in-network for 2027. Before enrolling or renewing, use the plan's provider directory (or call the plan directly) to confirm your specific doctors, specialists and preferred hospital are in-network for 2027 — not just "network status," but current status for the coming plan year specifically.

As noted above, CMS's 2027 rule change means that if your specific doctor leaves your plan's network — even without an overall "significant" network reduction — you may now qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans outside the standard AEP window.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Dates for 2027

Your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) must be mailed by September 30, 2026, summarizing every change to your current plan's costs, covered drugs and network for 2027 — reviewing it before AEP begins on October 15 gives you the most time to compare alternatives if needed.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare and Medigap

Note that once you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage, applying for a Medigap policy later can involve medical underwriting outside your initial Medigap open enrollment window, which is an important consideration if you're weighing which path to take initially. Because neither Original Medicare nor most Medicare Advantage plans provide meaningful coverage for care received outside the United States, travelers should consider this gap separately — Nexuora's guide to travel insurance for seniors covers this specific issue in more depth for beneficiaries planning international trips.

How Nexuora Evaluates Medicare Advantage Plans

Nexuora's coverage of Medicare Advantage focuses on explaining the plan-comparison process and current confirmed program rules rather than declaring any single insurer or plan "best," since availability, premiums, networks and supplemental benefits are determined at the county level and vary enormously by location. We prioritize official sources — Medicare.gov, CMS fact sheets and guidance, and the Social Security Administration where relevant — for program rules, enrollment dates and cost-sharing structures, and we clearly label figures that are projections or industry estimates rather than finalized CMS numbers. Independent research organizations such as KFF are referenced for broader market context. We do not fabricate Star Ratings, plan premiums, insurer-specific benefit amounts, or customer satisfaction data, and Nexuora does not sell insurance or receive enrollment commissions that influence this editorial content.

Common Enrollment Mistakes

• Letting your plan auto-renew without reading the ANOC, missing changes to premiums, drug formularies or network status that take effect January 1
• Assuming your doctor is still in-network without confirming directly for the 2027 plan year
• Not checking whether your specific medications changed formulary tiers, which can significantly increase your out-of-pocket drug costs
• Comparing only the monthly premium instead of total estimated annual cost, including deductibles, copays and the plan's out-of-pocket maximum
• Overlooking the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31) as a second chance if AEP choices don't work out once you start using the new plan
• Confusing a plan's supplemental allowance headline with its real usable value — for example, a dental "benefit" that only covers preventive cleanings won't help with a needed crown or root canal

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2027 coverage?

The AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this window take effect January 1, 2027.

Do all Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision coverage?

No. Supplemental benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage vary significantly by plan and insurer — some plans offer only preventive dental care, others offer a more comprehensive allowance, and a few may not include dental at all. Always check the specific plan's Evidence of Coverage for exact benefit details.

Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans after AEP ends?

Generally, your next opportunity is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), which allows current MA enrollees to switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare once. Special Enrollment Periods may also apply for qualifying events, such as your plan not renewing or your doctor leaving the network.

What happens if I do nothing during AEP?

You generally remain in your current plan for 2027, even if its premium, benefits, drug formulary or network have changed. This is exactly why reviewing your plan's Annual Notice of Change before AEP begins matters, even if you don't plan to switch.

Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medigap?

No. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that typically uses a provider network and often bundles in extra benefits. Medigap is supplemental insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to help cover its cost-sharing gaps, and cannot be used together with a Medicare Advantage plan.

What is a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan?

CMS rates Medicare Advantage plans annually from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and member experience metrics. A 5-star plan available in your area can be joined through a special year-round enrollment period, outside the standard AEP window.

Will my prescription drugs still be covered in 2027?

Formularies are updated annually, so a drug covered under your 2026 plan isn't guaranteed to remain at the same tier — or covered at all — under the same plan's 2027 formulary. Review your plan's ANOC and the updated drug list directly.

What if my Medicare Advantage plan is not being renewed for 2027?

You'll receive a non-renewal notice from your plan, and you generally qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to select new Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare coverage before your current plan ends.

Does Medicare Advantage cover care when traveling internationally?

Generally, no — most Medicare Advantage plans, like Original Medicare, provide little to no coverage for care received outside the United States, with limited exceptions in some plans for emergency care abroad. Travelers should consider separate travel medical insurance for international trips.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2027?

As of September 2026, the 2027 Part B premium had not yet been officially finalized by CMS; various projections put it roughly between $209.50 and $221 per month, up from $202.90 in 2026. Confirm the finalized figure through Medicare.gov once CMS announces it.

Conclusion

The 2027 Medicare Advantage plan year brings genuine changes worth reviewing — a permanent Part D out-of-pocket cap, a new rule that makes it easier to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if your specific doctor leaves your network, continued plan consolidation in some markets, and projected increases to Part B costs. Because dental allowances, vision benefits, drug formularies and provider networks vary so significantly by plan and by county, the most reliable path to finding the strongest option for your situation is comparing your Annual Notice of Change against current alternatives using Medicare's official Plan Finder — not assuming last year's plan is still the best fit simply because it worked well in 2026.

Editorial note: This article reflects Medicare program information, projections and industry reporting available as of September 2026. Some 2027 figures referenced here are estimates pending official CMS confirmation. For authoritative, current details, consult Medicare.gov, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the

What Is Medicare Advantage?