Best Medicare Part D plans at a glance
Humana is NerdWallet’s highest-rated Medicare Part D company in 2027, earning 5 out of 5 stars in our data-backed analysis. While this company leads the pack, Wellcare and HealthSpring stand out as top picks in specific categories.
Best overall: Humana.
Best for low premiums: Wellcare.
Best for non-preferred drugs: HealthSpring.
NerdWallet's editorial team analyzed plans covering 87% of Medicare Part D members. We picked 2027’s best Medicare Part D plans based on cost, quality, member satisfaction and more.
45+ Medicare companies and brands analyzed by our team of experts.
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Best Medicare Part D companies in 2027
Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | Average monthly premium | Average Part D deductible | Out-of-pocket costs | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 5.0/5 | $46.77 | $636.31 | Lower than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW PREMIUMS | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.0/5 | $7.78 | $700 | Higher than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR NON-PREFERRED DRUGS | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.4/5 | $30.40 | $700 | Average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
Best overall: Humana Medicare Part D
- Highest government quality and member experience ratings among competitors.
- Generous $0-copay and $0-deductible options.
- Poor scores for accuracy of drug price estimates.
Why we picked it
Humana scores highly because it offers low or no out-of-pocket costs across multiple drug tiers and has the highest government quality and member experience ratings.
What you should know
All of Humana’s plans received 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2027, while other insurers received 3 stars or fewer. It also has the lowest out-of-pocket costs overall of any major insurer. The Humana Value Rx plan offers $0 out-of-pocket costs on generic drugs at preferred pharmacies and relatively low coinsurance on preferred brand-name drugs.
Humana’s average monthly premium of $46.77 isn’t the lowest, but it’s below average — and a solid value for the quality and coverage its plans offer.
Pros
- Higher government quality and member experience ratings than other national insurers.
- Generous $0-copay and $0-deductible options.
- Below-average monthly premiums.
Cons
- Poor score for accuracy of drug price estimates.
Best for low premiums: Wellcare Medicare Part D
- Lowest premiums of any national competitor.
- Better member experience than other national competitors.
- Coinsurance rather than copays for brand-name drugs could get pricey.
- Limited $0-deductible options.
Why we picked it
Low premiums could be attractive to anyone, and both of Wellcare’s plans come with some of the lowest average premiums in the country.
What you should know
Wellcare still offers the lowest Part D premiums in 2027. It also has an above-average member experience rating and a low member complaint rate compared to other major companies.
The Wellcare Value Script plan might be a particularly great fit for people on a budget, provided their medications are covered. At $6.45 per month, it has the lowest average premium of any plan we analyzed and features $0 out-of-pocket costs for Tier 1 generic drugs from preferred pharmacies.
Pros
- Far lower average premium than any other national competitor.
- Better member experience than some other national companies.
Cons
- Out-of-pocket costs for most drugs can get pricey.
- Government quality rating is slightly below average.
Best for non-preferred drugs: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Part D
- Monthly premiums are lower than average.
- Government quality and member experience ratings are below average.
- Only one plan available in most states, and it has no $0-deductible drug tiers.
Why we picked it
HealthSpring plans feature relatively low out-of-pocket costs on non-preferred drugs, plus low-cost generics after you’ve met the deductible and some of the lowest monthly premiums.
What you should know
HealthSpring’s average premium is the second lowest we reviewed, behind only Wellcare. Its 30% to 36% coinsurance on non-preferred drugs is lower than some competitors, which can charge up to 50%.
But costs vary a lot by region. HealthSpring’s only widely available plan, Assurance Rx, costs under $20 per month in some states and over $100 in others. And in the low-premium areas, you don’t get $0 copays for generic drugs. The Extra Rx plan has lower out-of-pocket costs, but it’s only available in Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Puerto Rico, with premiums over $100 per month outside of Puerto Rico. HealthSpring also has a low member experience rating.
Note: Cigna plans were renamed as HealthSpring plans in 2026 because Cigna sold its Medicare business.
Pros
- Lower average premiums than most competitors.
Cons
- Member experience and government quality ratings are below average.
- Only one plan in most states, and it has no $0-deductible drug tiers.
More Nerdy Perspective
What’s the best Medicare prescription drug plan for 2027?
Humana is the clear winner when it comes to the best Medicare Part D companies in 2027.
Humana’s government quality rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars is exceptional. It’s the first time any major Part D insurer has earned an average of 4 or higher, weighted by enrollment, since we started reviewing Medicare Part D plans in 2021. Humana’s monthly premiums aren’t the lowest, but they’re below average, and it scores better than any company we reviewed when it comes to affordable out-of-pocket costs. The Humana Value Rx plan is a standout, pairing a below-average premium with $0 generics at preferred pharmacies.
But every plan’s formulary is different, and the best Medicare drug plan for you is one that covers your drugs at an affordable cost. This might mean going with a company other than our top choice, even if it requires a compromise on premiums or quality.
Humana is the clear winner when it comes to the best Medicare Part D companies in 2027.
Humana’s government quality rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars is exceptional. It’s the first time any major Part D insurer has earned an average of 4 or higher, weighted by enrollment, since we started reviewing Medicare Part D plans in 2021. Humana’s monthly premiums aren’t the lowest, but they’re below average, and it scores better than any company we reviewed when it comes to affordable out-of-pocket costs. The Humana Value Rx plan is a standout, pairing a below-average premium with $0 generics at preferred pharmacies.
But every plan’s formulary is different, and the best Medicare drug plan for you is one that covers your drugs at an affordable cost. This might mean going with a company other than our top choice, even if it requires a compromise on premiums or quality.
Elizabeth Aldrichlead writer covering MedicareAdditional Medicare Part D companies
These companies aren’t our top picks this year, but they might be worth a look to see whether they’re a good fit.
AARP Medicare Part D Plans from UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare Rx Preferred plan offers extensive coverage and a low deductible.
- Widespread availability.
- Average plan premiums are high compared to competitors.
- Below-average ratings for member satisfaction.
Why it didn't make our top picks
UnitedHealthcare has one of the lowest member experience ratings and highest average premiums of any insurer we reviewed. But its plans are widely available and may be a good option in some regions.
Pros
- Plans are available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and five U.S. territories.
- Low-deductible plan option.
Cons
- Premiums are high.
- Below-average government ratings for member satisfaction.
Aetna Medicare Part D
- Simplified pharmacy network with uniform out-of-pocket costs.
- High premiums.
- No $0-deductible options.
- Below-average ratings for member satisfaction.
Why it didn't make our top picks
Aetna’s Part D plans get average scores when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, but they don’t offer any $0-deductible tiers and tend to have high premiums. The company has below-average government quality and member experience ratings, and its plans aren’t available nationwide.
Pros
- $0 copays on preferred generics after the deductible.
Cons
- High monthly premiums.
- Below-average government ratings for quality and member satisfaction.
- Plans are only available in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
How we choose the best Medicare Part D plans
🏢 5 companies reviewed covering 87% of beneficiaries
📝 442 unique Medicare Part D plans compared
🔢 17,207 unique data points analyzed
📊 Star rating categories
NerdWallet's editorial team evaluates Medicare Part D insurance companies to find strengths, weaknesses and the best value for customers. Our Medicare Part D rubric includes a range of metrics in three major categories:
💰 Cost (50%). We evaluate plans’ premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs across multiple formulary tiers.
🗣️ Customer satisfaction (25%). We compare plans’ member experience based on CMS data and complaint rates.
📈 Quality (25%). We compare plans’ performance on CMS star ratings, weighted by enrollment.
⭐ What our star ratings mean
Companies with 5 stars are exceptional, with low premiums, competitive out-of-pocket costs, good quality ratings and happy members.
Companies in the 4.5 star range are excellent, but might trail leaders' performance on one or two factors.
Companies with around 4 stars are strong performers that might not be as well rounded as higher-rated competitors.
Companies with 3.5 stars or fewer could do better in certain criteria, like pricing and customer complaints.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings or our reviews. Read more about our Medicare Part D ratings methodology and editorial guidelines.
How to find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Here are some tips to help you choose the best Medicare prescription drug plan for your needs:
Check the formulary: Make sure the medicines you currently take are covered. Talk to your health care providers about what medications to look for. You might also want to check for possible alternatives and/or drugs you think you might need in the future.
Look for plan changes: Formularies (lists of covered drugs) change frequently. Your insurer should send you a Notice of Plan Change when the formulary changes. Read that document carefully.
Check the pharmacy network: Most Medicare Part D plans have networks of lower-cost pharmacies. Check to see if the plan's pharmacies are convenient for you. Also, compare prices for using mail order.
Use the Medicare plan finder tool: The interactive tool on Medicare.gov can help you find a Medicare Part D plan that covers your prescriptions. It also helps you compare costs among Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you.
You can switch plans during Medicare's open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes go into effect on the following Jan. 1.
» MORE: How much does Medicare Part D cost
You may be eligible for Medicare plans during a special enrollment period if you are turning 65, new to Medicare plans, moving or losing coverage.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. 2027 Star Ratings Data Tables. Accessed Oct 19, 2026.
- 2.HealthSpring. 2027 HealthSpringSM Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) Summary of Benefits. Accessed Oct 19, 2026.
Medicare Part D plan review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Part D reviews are based on:
Ratings data from CMS.
Pricing.
Out-of-pocket costs.
Formulary tiers.
Member experience.
Complaint data.
We calculate each health insurance company’s rating on a curved 5-point scale. NerdWallet's editorial team reviewed five Medicare Part D insurance companies. We chose companies based on high enrollment and online search volume. Together, these companies cover 87% of stand-alone commercial Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Our research includes at least four major insurers in every state.
These reviews are a guide. We encourage you to shop around and compare several plans.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for Medicare Part D.