ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Seniors comparing 2027 Medicare coverage face a gap between national premium averages and the cost of the plan they will actually use.

CMS projects the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium falling from $14.37 to $12, while the average standalone Part D premium rises from $35.09 to $36. Those are national averages across plans, not a quote for a particular St. Charles County resident.

A lower premium can coexist with different copayments, covered medicines, participating pharmacies or provider networks. A meaningful comparison therefore includes the person’s prescriptions and clinicians, rather than the premium alone.

The current open-enrollment period runs through December 7. CMS advises reviewing the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage because health and drug plans can change their terms each year.

The federal Plan Finder and 1-800-MEDICARE provide comparison assistance. Residents satisfied with a plan that remains available generally do not have to re-enroll simply because the annual window is open.

The figures cited here concern Medicare Advantage and drug-plan premiums. They should not be confused with a statement about every beneficiary’s total Medicare bill.