Medicare open enrollment begins as Trump administration moves to end drug subsidy

The short version

• The Trump administration announced it was ending a temporary federal subsidy program that capped prescription drug plan premiums for seniors.[ABC News]
• Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and the average beneficiary can choose 35 Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, down from 39 in 2026, per a KFF analysis.[ABC News]
• About 1% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries would have no available drug plan in 193 counties, according to the same KFF analysis.[ABC News]
• Oz claimed most recipients will not see premium increases over $10, a claim that remains unverified in this reporting, and premium effects are unclear.[ABC News]

Key facts

• Open enrollment for Medicare ends Dec. 7.[ABC News]
• About 35 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a Medicare-approved plan run by private insurers.[ABC News]
• A KFF analysis shows the average Medicare beneficiary can choose from 35 Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, down from 39 plans in 2026.[ABC News]
• According to a KFF analysis, about 1% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will have no prescription drug plan available during general enrollment, including beneficiaries in 193 counties.[ABC News]
• The Trump administration announced it was ending a temporary health insurance subsidy program aimed at capping prescription drug plan premiums for seniors.[ABC News]
• The standard Medicare Part D deductible will increase from $615 to $700.[ABC News]
• Dr. Mehmet Oz claimed in a July post on X that most Medicare recipients will not see premiums go up by more than $10.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• What to know about changes to Medicare as open enrollment beginsABC News - Top Stories