The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium will decrease by $1.91, or about 6 percent in 2018, from an average of $31.91 in 2017 to $30, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
More than three-fourths, 77 percent, of Medicare Advantage enrollees remaining in their current plan will have the same or lower premium for 2018, CMS said.
Deductibles too are staying the same as in 2017.
Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans have already finalized their deductibles and premiums. CMS's announcement on Friday affects consumers.
But customer satisfaction feeds into a better scores on star ratings for insurers in the growing Medicare Advantage market.
[Also: CMS releases star ratings for Medicare Advantage and drug plans, Kaiser earns top marks]
CMS said last month it released star ratings which showed there would be improved access to high-quality health choices and decreased premiums in 2018.
"We encourage Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options to make an informed choice between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage before open enrollment ends on December 7," said CMS Administrator Seema Verma.
The average basic premium for a Medicare prescription drug plan in 2018 is projected to decline to an estimated $33.50 per month. This represents a decrease of approximately $1.20 below the price of $34.70 in 2017, CMS said.
This is the first time since 2012 that the premium cost for a Medicare prescription drug plan is projected to decline.
[Also: HHS supports Affordable Care Act waivers to shore up Medicaid, reduce premiums]
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $134 for 2018, the same amount as in 2017, according to CMS.
Some beneficiaries who were held harmless against Part B premium increases in prior years will have a Part B premium increase in 2018, but the premium increase will be offset by the increase in their Social Security benefits next year, CMS said.
Medicare Part B deductibles will stick to 2017 levels. Beneficiaries will pay $183 in 2018, the same annual deductible as in 2017.
The Medicare Part A annual inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,340 per benefit period in 2018, an increase of $24 from $1,316 in 2017.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com