Most patients never see the PBM working behind their prescription plan, but it can influence which drugs are covered and what pharmacies are paid. That is a lot of power inside a system that is already hard to follow. This video is for educational purposes only and is NOT medical advice. #PBM# #PharmacyBenefitManager# #DrugCoverage#

Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to fall sharply in 2027, while standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums are expected to remain relatively stable. The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium is projected to decline 16.5%, from $14.37 in 2026 to about $12 in 2027. For Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage, the average Part D premium is expected to fall about 38%, dropping from $11.32 to roughly $7 per month. Standalone Part D premiums are moving in the opposite direction, but only slightly. The average monthly premium is projected to rise from $35.09 to about $36. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the agency is “keeping premiums stable” while maintaining broad access to Medicare plans. More than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries are expected to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan in 2027, while 97% should have at least 10 plan choices. Roughly eight in 10 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are expected to be able to remain in their current plan with the same or a lower premium. The changes come ahead of Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. CMS is encouraging beneficiaries to compare premiums, benefits and coverage options before choosing their 2027 plans.