According to CMS, the average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium in Kentucky drops from $10.02 in 2026 to $4.90 in 2027, and the number of plans offered statewide rises from 114 to 123. That is genuinely good news on paper. But a statewide average tells you very little about the plan that is right for you, and premium is only one piece of what you will pay.
Here is how to read these numbers and what to compare instead.
What CMS Reports for Kentucky in 2027
Statewide average across Medicare Advantage plans
| Item | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $10.02 |
| 2027 | $4.90 |
This is a CMS statewide average, not a quote. Your premium depends on the plan and county you choose, and you continue to pay your Part B premium.
Source: CMS, Medicare Open Enrollment in Kentucky, 2027 fact sheet (Sept. 28, 2026).
Statewide plan counts include plans offered anywhere in Kentucky. The number available in your county will be lower.
Source: CMS 2027 Kentucky fact sheet.
CMS also reports that about 1,010,021 Kentuckians are enrolled in Medicare, that 100% have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan, and that a $0-premium plan is available to everyone with Medicare in the state.
What a Statewide Average Does and Does Not Mean
An average is calculated across many plans. It can fall because some plans lowered premiums, because new $0 plans were added, or because higher-premium plans ended. It does not tell you:
- How many plans are offered in your county, whether you live in Laurel, Pulaski, or Madison County.
- Whether your current plan's premium went up or down.
- What happens to copays, deductibles, networks, or drug coverage.
Average premiums can decline even in a year when some individual plans become less generous.
What a $0 Premium Plan Really Means
A $0 premium means the plan itself does not charge a monthly premium. You still pay your Medicare Part B premium, either through your Social Security check or directly. You will also pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you use care.
Part B Premium vs. Plan Premium
These are two separate costs. The Part B premium is set by Medicare and paid by nearly everyone with Part B. The plan premium is set by the insurer. When you see a Medicare Advantage premium advertised, it is in addition to Part B.
Why the Cheapest Medicare Plan Isn't Always the Best Plan
A plan that saves you $10 a month in premium can cost far more if you need a hospital stay, regular specialist visits, or expensive medications. Consider two simplified, hypothetical examples:
- Plan A has a $0 premium but higher specialist copays and a higher maximum out-of-pocket limit.
- Plan B has a modest premium but lower copays and a lower out-of-pocket maximum.
For someone who rarely sees a doctor, Plan A may cost less. For someone with a chronic condition or a planned surgery, Plan B may cost less over the year. The right plan depends on how you use care.
What to Compare Beyond the Premium
| Cost or benefit | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Copays and coinsurance | Primary care, specialists, hospital stays, outpatient surgery, and imaging |
| Deductibles | Whether the plan has a medical or drug deductible |
| Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) | The most you could pay for covered medical services in a year |
| Prescription coverage | Your drugs on the formulary, their tiers, and preferred pharmacies |
| Provider network | Your doctors and local hospitals for the exact plan |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Annual dollar limits, waiting periods, and network rules |
| Part B giveback | Whether offered, the amount, and eligibility |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column
Our explainer on the Medicare out-of-pocket maximum shows why that one number often matters more than the premium.
Prescription Benefits and Pharmacies
If you take regular medications, drug costs can outweigh premium differences. Check each drug on the formulary and confirm your pharmacy's network status. Our companion article on 2027 Part D changes and the $2,400 drug cost limit explains the new limits.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision, and hearing coverage, but annual maximums and covered services vary a great deal. A plan may cover cleanings but limit crowns or dentures. See what Medicare Advantage plans typically include for dental, vision, and hearing.
Part B Giveback Benefits
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a Part B giveback, which reduces the Part B premium you pay. Availability and amounts vary by plan and county, and people whose Part B premium is already paid by Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program generally do not benefit. Confirm whether a plan offers it in your county before choosing based on it.
How to Compare Plans During AEP
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
- Gather your list of doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and pharmacy.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder with your ZIP code to see plans in your county.
- Compare estimated total yearly costs, not just premiums.
- Check networks and drug coverage for each finalist.
For a broader look at costs in Kentucky, see our article on the cost of Medicare in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Medicare Advantage premium be $4.90 in 2027?
Not necessarily. $4.90 is a statewide average. Your plan's premium may be higher, lower, or $0.
Are there 123 plans in my county?
No. 123 is the statewide total. Your county will have fewer choices.
Do I still pay Part B with a $0 premium plan?
Yes, in most cases you continue to pay the Part B premium.
Is a lower premium always a better deal?
No. Copays, the out-of-pocket maximum, drug coverage, and networks often matter more.
Can I keep my plan without doing anything?
If your plan continues in your county, you stay enrolled automatically, but reviewing changes is wise.
How Summit Benefits Group Can Help
We help Kentucky residents in London, Laurel County, and across the state compare the plans actually available in their county, based on their doctors, drugs, and budget. Request a Medicare plan review or explore Medicare Advantage basics.
Sources
- CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D state-by-state fact sheets (Sept. 28, 2026)
- CMS: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2027
Summit Benefits Group is a licensed independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, Medicaid, or the federal government, and this article is general education, not a recommendation of any specific plan. We do not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).