Medicare Part D Premium Protections to End After 2026

CMS will end the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after 2026, removing a $10 monthly subsidy and a $35 cap on annual premium hikes. From 2027, beneficiaries' prescription-drug premiums will reflect plans' actual bids — no federal guardrails. CMS projects a 2026 average stand-alone premium of $34.50; that figure may not hold once both supports lapse.