Medicare Advantage Plan Costs in 2023: Plan Types, State & More (2024)

Key Takeaways

  • The Medicare Advantage premium is $18 in 2023, which is an 8% decrease from 2022.
  • The Part B premium, which you have to pay with a Medicare Advantage plan, is lowering to $164.90 in 2023.
  • Additional benefits, what plan you choose and which state you live in can fluctuate the cost of your Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans have an option with $0 premiums in 2023.
  • There are new caps on out-of-pocket costs with a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023, like the $35 cap on select insulin.

How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?

While the average cost for your Medicare Advantage premium is $18 in 2023, this isn’t the guaranteed cost for everyone. 99% of Americans have access to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage with no premium charge at all in 2023.

To enroll in an Advantage plan, most still have to pay the monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). 17% of Medicare Advantage plans even cover a reduction for your Part B premium in 2023, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

To clarify, your Medicare Advantage plan could cost around $0-$18. Consider the potential costs of your Part B premium, which is $164.90 in 2023, when choosing a plan.

Medicare Advantage plans can also offer additional benefits, like dental coverage or meal delivery services, which can increase costs. So, monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans vary based on the terms of the plan, the benefits offered and other circ*mstances.

Did You Know?

There are 3,998 Medicare Advantage plans available nationwide in 2023. 89% of the plans include prescription coverage, which often has a premium of $0.

“It’s important to remember that the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan involves more than just the monthly premium. Sometimes the plans with higher premiums actually bring the biggest long-term savings.”

Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Each State

The most affordable average Medicare Advantage premium is $0 per month in Alaska. The most expensive average premium is $70.77 per month in Minnesota. Refer to the map below to find the average cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in each state.

2023 Average Medicare Advantage Premium Costs by State

States with the most affordable premiums for a Medicare Advantage plan are Alaska, Nevada, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. States with costly Medicare Advantage plan premiums are Minnesota, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Wyoming and North Dakota.

Top 5 Most Affordable States for Medicare Advantage Plans

Alaska
$0

Nevada
$3.58

Kansas
$6.17

Missouri
$7.67

Texas
$8.94

Medicare Advantage Rates by Plan Type

There are two main types of Medicare Advantage plans — health maintenance organizations (HMO) and preferred provider organizations (PPO). With an HMO plan, you can expect to pay lower monthly rates and pay less out of pocket, according to Humana. A PPO plan allows you to see providers in and out of the network without a referral — so you can expect higher rates and out-of-pocket costs.

There are also two main types of PPO plans — local and regional. Local PPOs are typically cheaper, with average rates of $20 a month. Regional PPOs cost closer to $49 a month. Below are 2023 rates for select HMO and PPO plans with Medicare Advantage companies so you have a better idea of what to expect, along with what’s covered.

2023 Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Rates

Plan FeaturesHumana Honor (HMO)Aetna Medicare Premier (Local PPO)BlueMedicare Choice (Regional PPO)
Monthly Premium$0 $0 $49.90
Plan Benefits✓ Vision
✓ Dental
✓ Hearing
✓ Trans-
portation
✓ Fitness
✓ Worldwide emergency
✓ Telehealth
✓ Over-the-counter drugs
✓ Vision
✓ Dental
✓ Hearing
✗ Trans-
portation
✓ Fitness
✓ Worldwide emergency
✓ Telehealth
✗ Over-the-counter drugs
✓ Vision
✗ Dental
✓ Hearing
✗ Trans-
portation
✓ Fitness
✓ Worldwide emergency
✓ Telehealth
✗ Over-the-counter drugs
Copays/Coinsurance
  • $0 Primary Doctor Copay
  • $25 Specialist Copay
  • $15 Primary Doctor Copay
  • $50 Specialist Copay
  • $10 Primary Doctor Copay
  • $50 Specialist Copay

Don't Leave Your Health to Chance

Find a local Medicare plan that fits your needs by connecting with a licensed insurance agent.

Get FREE Help Now

Comparing the Costs of Medicare Advantage Plans

When comparing the costs of Medicare Advantage plans, be sure to consider the benefits you are receiving. For example, a free Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium may sound enticing, but the plan may come with bare-bones coverage.

A low premium may not be a good bargain if you end up paying hefty copayments on prescription drugs or have to pay the full costs of the benefits you passed up for the lower monthly payment.

Six Costs To Consider When Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans

Monthly premium
The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is $18 in 2023.

Doctor visit copayment
Make sure you consider the different copayment amounts for your primary care doctor and specialist doctor.

Prescription drug copayment
Your prescription drug copayment depends on which Medicare Advantage plan you select.

Your deductible
Your deductible ranges depending on which Medicare Advantage plan you choose.

Maximum out-of-pocket costs
In 2023, your maximum out-of-pocket costs with Medicare Advantage are capped at $8,300.
Additional benefits (vision, hearing, dental or other services)
Other potential benefits include meal delivery services, telehealth, flex cards and fitness benefits.

Consider how much you’ll likely pay per year for various health care services, then compare that to the premiums you’d pay over the course of the year.

Find More Cost Details From Your Medicare Advantage Plan

Evidence of Coverage (EOC)Your insurer will send you an EOC document each fall. It will give you updated information about what your plan covers, your costs and other important information.
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)Your ANOC will alert you to changes in your costs, coverage and services that take effect on Jan. 1 of the coming year. This document also arrives from your insurer in the fall.

How Are Medicare Advantage Plans Priced?

It’s important to look beyond just the monthly premium when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan. You need to consider your total Medicare costs. These include deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Since Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers, the companies can make several decisions that affect the price of each plan.

Business Decisions That Affect Medicare Advantage Plan Pricing

  • Which plans a company chooses to offer
  • How the company calculates the price and profit margin for premiums and cost-sharing
  • Additional benefits that the company offers

Unlike Medigap, which has 10 standardized plans across all companies, there are no standardized Medicare Advantage plans.

You will need to compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the right benefits and prices for your health care needs and personal finances.

Did You Know?

Medicare does not set the amounts that Medicare Advantage plans can charge for deductibles and services. These are set by the private insurers selling the plans and can change each year on Jan. 1.

Consider Your Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs

In 2023, the maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) you can spend for a Medicare Advantage plan is $8,300. This amount changes each year. You should also consider your monthly premium, annual deductible, copays and coinsurance.

Starting in 2025, there will be a $2,000 cap on how much Medicare Advantage and Part D beneficiaries can pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs.

If you take insulin, there is a new cap on out-of-pocket costs for injectable insulin. Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, injectable insulin is capped at $35 per monthly supply for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.

Getting Help Paying for Medicare Advantage Plans

If you need financial aid to pay for your Medicare Advantage plan, consider a Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) plan instead. SNP plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan for individuals eligible for Medicare and who have specific financial or health care needs.

All SNP plans provide prescription drug coverage, benefits to a specific disease or condition, along with other benefits. There are three main types of SNP plans — a Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP), Institutional SNP (I-SNP) and Dual Eligible SNP (D-SNP).

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage Costs

What is the average cost of Medicare Advantage?

The average premium cost for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023 is $18.

Is Medicare Advantage more expensive than Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is actually less expensive than Original Medicare, according to a 2022 Wakely Consulting Group study.

Is Medicare Advantage more expensive than Medigap?

No. Medicare Advantage plans typically have more affordable premiums compared to a Medigap plan.

How can Medicare Advantage plans cost nothing?

Private insurers can offer a Medicare Advantage plan for $0 to balance out other out-of-pocket costs, like your deductibles and copays.

What are the out-of-network costs for Medicare Advantage plans?

Out-of-network costs are from care received by providers who aren’t covered by your Medicare Advantage plan.

Editor Samantha Connell contributed to this article.

Medicare Advantage Plan Costs in 2023: Plan Types, State & More (2024)

FAQs

Medicare Advantage Plan Costs in 2023: Plan Types, State & More? ›

CMS announced that the average monthly plan premium among all Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2023, including those who pay no premium for their Medicare Advantage plan, is expected to be $18 a month.

How much is Medicare Advantage plans going up in 2023? ›

CMS announced that the average monthly plan premium among all Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2023, including those who pay no premium for their Medicare Advantage plan, is expected to be $18 a month.

Is Medicare Advantage changing in 2023? ›

Medicare Advantage enrollment is expected to continue to increase in 2023. Kidney transplant recipients can keep limited Part B coverage for life. The maximum allowable out-of-pocket cap for Medicare Advantage plans increased to $8,300 in 2023.

Will Medicare Part B premiums increase in 2023? ›

The Part B basic premium in calendar year 2023 is scheduled to be $164.90 per month, or about 25 percent of expected Part B costs per enrollee age 65 or older. Premiums can be higher or lower than the basic premium for enrollees who receive Part B benefits through the Medicare Advantage program.

What is Medicare Advantage Max out-of-pocket for 2023? ›

In 2023, the MOOP for Medicare Advantage Plans is $8,300, but plans may set lower limits. If you are in a plan that covers services you receive from out-of-network providers, such as a PPO, your plan will set two annual limits on your out-of-pocket costs.

What will we be paying for Medicare Part B in 2023? ›

Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($164.90 in 2023). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2023. You pay the standard premium amount if you: Enroll in Part B for the first time in 2023.

How much will Social Security take out for Medicare in 2023? ›

Medicare Deduction From Social Security 2023

Most people enrolled in Medicare — and receiving Social Security benefits — will have at least $164.90 deducted from their Social Security check each month in 2023. This is the monthly premium for Medicare Part B.

Why are they pushing Medicare Advantage plans? ›

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits , such as money toward dental or vision care, which isn't covered by original Medicare. About 1 in 4 people say extra benefits pushed them to choose Medicare Advantage, according to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank.

Who is the largest Medicare Advantage provider? ›

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and offers plans in nearly nine out of every 10 U.S. counties. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP, insuring the Medicare products that carry the AARP name.

What are the Medicare cuts for 2023? ›

The AMA's push to avert an 8.5% Medicare cut in the 2023 omnibus spending bill slowed down the wheels of a runaway train—but didn't stop it completely. Physicians will still see a 2% cut in Medicare pay this year, with at least a 1.25% cut in store for 2024.

Is Medicare going to be cheaper in 2023? ›

How much less will Medicare Part B cost in 2023? You won't see a hefty reduction in the amount you currently pay, but it will be less than what you're paying. Here's how payments break down for Medicare Part B full coverage in 2023. Standard monthly premium: $164.90 in 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022.

What is the projected 2024 Medicare Part B premium? ›

They should also inform SSA that their anticipated 2024 AGI of $150,000 would put them below the high-income threshold and therefore only have it pay the regular Part B premium of $164.90 in 2024. The SSA requires tax returns and qualified life-changing event documentation for IRMAA reductions.

What is the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for a Medicare Advantage plan? ›

The average out-of-pocket maximum for a Medicare Advantage plan is $5,404. The amount varies between plans, with each plan providing its own limit on how much an enrollee could spend on covered medical services. That includes your spending toward the deductible, copayments and coinsurance.

What is the new Medicare COLA for 2023? ›

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7% in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) required by law.

What tax year will 2023 Medicare premiums be based on? ›

Medicare uses your income tax return to determine how much you pay in premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D. Your Medicare premiums for a given year are calculated using your tax return from two years prior. For example, your 2023 Part B and Part D premiums are based on your 2021 tax return.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare? ›

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Why are people leaving Advantage plans? ›

While some plans provide excellent dental, vision, and hearing coverage, many only cover preventative services. This is one once of the leading causes of individuals leaving Medicare Advantage plans.

What are the negatives to a Medicare Advantage plan? ›

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage
  • Limited service providers. If you choose one of the more popular Medicare Advantage plan types, such as an HMO plan, you may be limited in the providers you can see. ...
  • Complex plan offerings. ...
  • Additional costs for coverage. ...
  • State-specific coverage.

Are Medicare Advantage plans going to be discontinued? ›

Many plans also cover extra benefits, such as prescription drugs, routine vision, dental coverage, or hearing services. While there are no current plans for the Medicare Advantage program to be phased out, in some situations, your Part C coverage may end through no fault of your own.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to original Medicare? ›

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.

What states have 5 star Medicare Advantage plans? ›

States where 5-star Medicare Advantage plans are available:
  • Alabama.
  • Arkansas.
  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Florida.
  • Georgia.
  • Hawaii.
  • Idaho.
Jun 20, 2023

Which is the cheapest health insurance for senior citizens? ›

Best overall: Medicare

For those age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability, the Medicare program will be the cheapest health insurance with the best benefits. When you were working, you paid into the Medicare program via a Medicare tax on income.

What is the Medicare Advantage reimbursem*nt for 2024? ›

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the final 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D payment rules. The final payment rule includes a 3.32% payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans, instead of the originally proposed 1.03% increase.

How much will Medicare premiums increase in 2024? ›

CMS to raise Medicare Advantage pay rates by 3.3% in 2024; phase in risk adjustment changes. The Biden administration finalized a proposal to raise Medicare Advantage payments by 3.32% in 2024, slightly above the 1% raise that it proposed.

Do Medicare Advantage plans pay 100%? ›

Medicare Advantage plans don't pay 100% of your medical costs. Like most health insurance, Medicare Advantage plans have a “cost-sharing” structure for many services. If your plan covers the service, it'll usually pay most of the costs and charge you a copayment or coinsurance amount. A yearly deductible may apply.

Is there a max out-of-pocket on Medicare? ›

(To see the differences between the two types of Medicare coverage, see: “Ask Ms. Medicare: Medicare's Private Plans.” In the traditional Medicare program, there's no annual dollar limit on your out-of-pocket expenses.

What are maximum out-of-pocket costs? ›

The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for in-network care and services, your health plan pays 100% of the costs of covered benefits.

What is Congress doing with Medicare Advantage? ›

The Administration proposed a 1% increase in payments to Medicare Advantage for 2024 and finalized an 8.5% increase in payments to Medicare Advantage for 2023 – resulting in increased payments to insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage by nearly 10% over the last payment notice and the current proposed payment ...

What changes are coming to Medicare in 2024? ›

How Is the Medicare Part D Benefit Changing in 2024? In 2024, costs in the catastrophic phase will change: the 5% coinsurance requirement for Part D enrollees will be eliminated and Part D plans will pay 20% of total drug costs in this phase instead of 15%.

Is Biden taking away Medicare benefits? ›

While the possibility of reducing Medicare spending emerged recently in the context of the debt limit debate – and some members of Congress continue to talk about changes to the program — President Biden and now House Speaker McCarthy have both declared that Medicare will not be part of those negotiations.

How much will Medicare Part B premium be in 2024? ›

2024 IRMAA Brackets
Part B Premium2024 Coverage (2022 Income) 0% Inflation
Standard * 3.2Single: < $500,000 Married Filing Jointly: < $750,000 Married Filing Separately < $397,000
Standard * 3.4Single: >= $500,000 Married Filing Jointly: >= $750,000 Married Filing Separately >= $397,000
4 more rows

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 6395

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.