Medicare Costs for 2027 If You Live Abroad (Part B, Part D, IRMAA)

Medicare premiums rise again in 2027, and you keep paying them abroad even though Medicare doesn't cover care outside the US. Here are the projected 2027 numbers, what they mean if you live overseas, and what to do during open enrollment, which runs October 15 – December 7, 2026.

The 2027 Part B figures are projections. CMS confirms them in November, and this page will be updated then. CMS has already announced the 2027 Part D figures.

Kelly Milligan, founder of Expat Retire Guide

By Kelly Milligan

Updated October 10, 2026 · Published October 4, 2026

2027 at a Glance

2026 figures are final. The 2027 Part B figures are projected until CMS confirms them in November. The 2027 Part D figures are already set by CMS.

2026 vs. projected 2027

Part B standard premium $202.90 → $209.50/mo (projected)

Part B deductible $283 → $292 (projected)

Part D base beneficiary premium $38.99 → $41.33

Part D maximum deductible $615 → $700

Part D out-of-pocket cap $2,100 → $2,400

IRMAA surcharges Based on 2025 income; brackets pending CMS

Projected — CMS confirms in November

IRMAA is the extra Part B and Part D charge for higher earners. 2027 surcharges are based on your 2025 modified adjusted gross income. We're not publishing a bracket table until CMS releases the official thresholds, because projected brackets would just be guesses.

What This Costs You While You're Abroad

Part B premiums keep coming even though Medicare doesn't pay for care outside the US. At the projected $209.50, that's about $2,514 a year for coverage you can't use at your local clinic.

Whether to keep or drop it depends on how permanent your move is. Start with our Part B abroad guide, then run your own numbers in the Part B keep-or-drop tool.

The Social Security Raise (COLA) and Your Part B Premium

Estimates for the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment run 3.5–3.6%. The Social Security Administration announces the final number in mid-October.

Most beneficiaries have the Part B premium deducted from their Social Security payment, so the premium increase comes out of the raise. If you keep Part B, expect the net increase to be smaller than the headline COLA.

Open Enrollment When You Live Abroad (Oct 15 – Dec 7)

Open enrollment is the yearly window to change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. For readers abroad it's also the moment to fix coverage that doesn't fit your move.

Medicare Advantage members: move to Original Medicare

If you're on Medicare Advantage and heading abroad, you can use this window to switch to Original Medicare. Advantage plans generally require you to live in the plan's US service area. See Medicare Advantage abroad for how that rule works.

Warning: getting back to Medigap is hard

Switching to Medigap after leaving Advantage usually means medical underwriting, outside of guaranteed-issue situations. A plan can decline you or charge more for health conditions. Read our Medigap guide before you switch.

Part D: watch your Annual Notice of Change

Part D premium increases arrive through your plan's Annual Notice of Change. The Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration ends after 2026, so don't assume your premium stays flat. Our Part D abroad guide covers whether to keep it at all.

January 1 – March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

If you're already on Medicare Advantage, this second window lets you switch plans or move to Original Medicare after the new year.

What Changes When CMS Publishes

CMS releases the final Part B figures and the IRMAA brackets in November. We'll replace the Part B projections on this page then, and add the IRMAA table.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Medicare in 2027?

The standard Part B premium is projected at $209.50 a month, up from $202.90 in 2026, with a projected $292 deductible. CMS has already set the 2027 Part D numbers: a $41.33 base beneficiary premium, a $700 maximum deductible, and a $2,400 out-of-pocket cap. The Part B figures are projections from the 2026 Trustees Report, and CMS confirms them in November. Higher earners pay IRMAA surcharges on top, based on their 2025 income.

Do I have to pay for Medicare if I live abroad?

Part A is premium-free for most people. Part B is not: the premium keeps coming as long as you stay enrolled, even though Medicare doesn't pay for care outside the US. You can drop Part B, but re-enrolling later usually carries a permanent late penalty of 10% per year without coverage. Our Part B abroad guide and keep-or-drop tool walk through the trade-off.

Can I change Medicare plans from overseas?

Often, yes, but it depends on the plan and the paperwork. Open enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7) changes are made through your plan or Medicare, and some require a US mailing address or phone number. Medicare Advantage plans generally require you to live in their US service area, so many members abroad switch to Original Medicare. Check with Medicare or your plan before relying on an online or phone change from abroad.

Sources

Medicare 2027: How Much Premiums Are Set to Rise — Kiplinger: Projected 2027 Part B premium and deductible from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report.
Medicare Annual Notice of Change 2027 — Medical Daily: 2027 Part D figures and the end of the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration.
CY 2027 Part D bid information announcement — CMS: 2027 Part D base beneficiary premium ($41.33) and the end of the Premium Stabilization Demonstration.
Social Security COLA 2027 Estimate — CNBC: 2027 cost-of-living adjustment estimates.
2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles — CMS: Final 2026 Part B figures.

Corrections

No corrections yet. If we get a figure wrong, we'll note the date and the fix here.

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