Trump’s 2027 Medicare Advantage bump signals austerity for private plans

The Trump administration proposes a 2027 pay increase for Medicare Advantage of less than 1% (about $700 million), a smaller boost than insurers hoped and aimed at stabilizing payments while curbing upcoding. Insurers warn the modest increase could force benefit cuts or higher seniors’ premiums, while CMS argues the measure is a right-sizing effort to reduce waste; a final rate decision in spring will trigger renewed lobbying from industry and policymakers.