How MA & Part D Bid Season Works
From the first actuarial draft to the plans your clients see on October 1: when the benchmark is set, when bids are due and approved, and when you can start sharing.
What a Bid Is
Every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan you sell starts as a bid: the carrier's estimate of what it will cost to cover a typical member in that county, plus the premiums, copays and extra benefits it plans to offer. CMS compares each MA bid with the county benchmark. When a bid comes in under the benchmark, part of the difference goes back to the plan as a rebate, which pays for $0 premiums, lower copays, dental, vision and other extras. That's why the benchmark and the bid deadline drive almost everything your clients see in October.
The schedule is set by law and CMS rules, so it repeats every year. Below is the cycle that produced the 2027 plans, with the actual dates.
From First Draft to AEP
Typical timing for each step, with the actual dates for the 2027 plan year.
Plans start working
Carrier actuaries and product teams study claims, Star Ratings and competitor plans, then decide where to grow, what to keep and what to cut. Carriers adding a new plan type or new counties file a Notice of Intent to Apply with CMS late in the year and submit applications in February. For 2027, those applications were due in February 2026.
CMS proposes payment changes
The Advance Notice proposes how CMS will pay plans next year, including growth rates and risk-adjustment changes. For 2027 it came out January 26, 2026, with a projected 0.09% average increase. Public comments closed February 25.
The benchmark is set
The Rate Announcement finalizes county-by-county payment rates, the benchmarks every MA bid is measured against. By law it is published no later than the first Monday in April. For 2027 it came out April 6, 2026, with a projected 2.48% average increase. CMS releases final benefit limits (like maximum out-of-pocket) and the bid pricing tools in April too.
Bids are built
CMS opens bid submission in its plan system in early May. Part D formularies go in during May. Plans set premiums, copays, extra benefits and networks, and an actuary has to certify each bid.
Bids are due
Every MA and Part D bid, formulary, plan non-renewal and service-area cut is due. For 2027 the deadline was June 1, 2026. This is when the market for next year is decided inside each carrier, but nothing is final yet.
CMS reviews and negotiates
CMS does a desk review of every bid and benefit package. Plans can be asked to fix issues and resubmit, and benefits can still change.
Part D numbers come out
CMS publishes the Part D national average bid and base premium, plus the regional PPO benchmarks. Plans then rebalance their rebates and benefits. For 2027: released July 28, 2026, with a $41.33 base premium, and rebate reallocation closed August 6.
Carrier first looks for agents
Carriers share previews, product trainings and first-look decks with appointed agents. Early previews can change until CMS approves the bids in late August. These are for you to prepare. They are not for clients yet.
Bids are approved
CMS finishes bid review and approval, final actuarial certifications are filed, and contracts for the new year are signed. For 2027, contract signing was due August 31, 2026.
Public data and member notices
CMS releases the Landscape files and premium outlook. Members get their Annual Notice of Change by September 30, and non-renewal letters go out by early October.
You can share with clients
Marketing for next year's plans can start, and Medicare Plan Finder shows the new plans. You can quote and present next year's benefits, following Scope of Appointment, recording and disclaimer rules. Star Ratings post on Medicare.gov in early to mid October.
Enrollment opens
AEP runs October 15 to December 7. Applications for next year start now, with coverage beginning January 1.
Before and After October 1
Prepare, don't present
Use first looks and trainings to plan your season. Don't share next year's benefits, premiums or plan materials with clients or prospects, in person, by phone or online.
What's fine
Service current clients on this year's plans, hold strictly educational events, tell clients to watch for their Annual Notice of Change, and book review appointments for October.
Market next year
Quote and present next year's plans with a Scope of Appointment, a recorded call and the TPMO disclaimer. Applications wait for October 15.
Using the Cycle to Plan Your Year
April
Watch the Rate Announcement. A strong or weak payment year shapes how rich next year's benefits can be.
Summer
Finish AHIP and carrier certifications, and go to carrier first looks and product trainings.
September
Check the plan map for plans not returning in your counties and line up the clients who'll need a review.
October 1
Compare plans in Plan Finder and your quoting tools, then start booking appointments.
October 15
Enroll. Applications before this date can't be taken for next year.
Agent Questions
When are Medicare Advantage bids due?
By law, MA and Part D bids are due to CMS by the first Monday in June for the next plan year. For 2027 plans, the deadline was June 1, 2026.
When is the Medicare Advantage benchmark set?
CMS sets county payment rates, the benchmarks bids are measured against, in the Rate Announcement, published no later than the first Monday in April. The 2027 Rate Announcement came out April 6, 2026.
When are bids approved?
CMS reviews bids from June through August and finishes approval in late August, when contracts for the new year are signed. For 2027, contracts were due by August 31, 2026.
When can agents share next year's plans with clients?
Marketing for next year's Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can begin October 1. Enrollment applications can't be taken until AEP opens on October 15.
Can I share a carrier's first look with clients?
No. First looks and previews are for agent preparation, and early versions can change until CMS approves the bids. Next year's benefits can't be marketed to clients before October 1.
Printable Version in the Resource Hub
Brock agents can download a PDF of this guide, plus our state playbooks and California guides, from the Resource Hub. Sign in with your NPN and email.
Where This Comes From
- CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice fact sheet (Jan 26, 2026)
- CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement fact sheet (Apr 6, 2026)
- CMS: MA rate announcements and documents, by year
- CMS: CY 2027 bid forms and instructions
- CMS: CY 2027 Part D application, program schedule
- CMS: CY 2027 Part D national average monthly bid amount (Jul 28, 2026)
- Social Security Act §1854 (bid submission)
- eCFR: 42 CFR 422.254 (submission of bids)
- eCFR: 42 CFR 422.2263 (marketing begins October 1)
- eCFR: 42 CFR 422.2267 (ANOC and EOC deadlines)
Be Ready
By October 1
Brock agents get training, certification help, and quoting and enrollment tools, with a team to call all season.
Partner With UsPrefer the phone? Call 662-844-3300.
For licensed insurance agents. General information as of October 18, 2026, drawn from federal and state sources; rules change, so confirm with CMS, the carrier or the state insurance department before advising a client. Not legal or tax advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.