Key Takeaways:
- Medicare Choices in Georgia: Georgia offers a variety of Medicare plans, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medigap. Each plan type has its benefits, costs, and considerations.
- Cost Considerations: Medicare costs in Georgia can vary significantly depending on your chosen plan, coverage needs, and health status.
- Choosing a Medicare Plan: The best Medicare plan for you depends on your circumstances, including your health needs, financial situation, and preferred doctors and hospitals. Resources are available to help you make informed choices.
As you approach Medicare eligibility or help a loved one navigate this important milestone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and choices. Medicare plans in Georgia each have their own set of benefits, costs, and provider networks.
Understanding these options is crucial for ensuring you have the right healthcare coverage and maximize your budget. This guide will help you find the plan that fits your circumstances, whether that’s comprehensive coverage, budget-friendly options, or specific benefits like prescription drug assistance.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Georgia
Here’s a breakdown of the key types of Medicare plans available to Georgia residents so you can better understand plan structures and coverage options.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare forms the bedrock of your Medicare coverage. It comprises two parts:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, some home health services, and hospice care. For most people who paid Medicare taxes while working, Part A comes without a monthly premium.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers a wide range of outpatient services, including doctor’s visits, preventive care, lab tests, medical equipment, and mental health services. Part B has a monthly premium, which varies based on income.
With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare assignment anywhere in the U.S. However, it’s important to note that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. You’ll typically have cost-sharing responsibilities, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. For example, in Part A, there is a $1,676 deductible per benefit period (as of 2025).
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
While Original Medicare provides a solid foundation for your healthcare coverage, you might seek a more comprehensive and integrated approach. That’s where Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, come in.
Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans bundle all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) into a single plan. They often offer additional coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t include, such as prescription drug costs, dental, vision, hearing, and even fitness programs.
Medicare Advantage plans are popular in Georgia due to their predictable costs, savings, and wider coverage. In 2025, there are 162 Medicare Advantage plans available in the state.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium will reduce from $15.52 in 2024 to $14.29 in 2025.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0.
- All Medicare beneficiaries have access to a Medicare Advantage plan and the option to choose a plan with a $0 monthly premium.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Georgia:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
UnitedHealthcare(AARP Medicare Advantage Plan) | 3.82 ★ | 49 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $6,700 |
Humana (HumanaChoice Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, D.C., PR | $0 | $0 | $9,350 |
Aetna(Medicare Freedom Plus Plan) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $6,900 |
Devoted (Choice Georgia Plan) | 4.28 ★ | 20 states | $0 | $0 (except pharmacy deductible) | $6350 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Georgia Zip Code 31820. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Georgia include:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Kaiser Permanente
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Clover Health
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Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D plans in Georgia are essential if you rely on prescription medications to manage your health. Part D plans, offered by private insurance companies, help cover the costs of prescription drugs, ensuring you have access to the medications you need without breaking the bank.
Each plan has a list of covered drugs, known as a formulary. Look for a plan that includes coverage for your medications and is within your budget.
Part D plans have tiers, from 1 to 5, with your out-of-pocket costs changing as you move through them. Understanding these tiers can help you anticipate your expenses.
In 2025, Georgia residents can choose from 16 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans. Anyone enrolled in Medicare will have access to a plan.
- 69.89% of Medicare prescription drug plan beneficiaries in 2025 can switch to a plan with lower premiums than they paid in 2024.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.
- 30.02% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan get Extra Help, a financial assistance program.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
Anthem MediBlue Rx Plus | $38.70 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plus | $135.90 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
Wellcare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
Original Medicare provides valuable coverage, but it doesn’t cover all your healthcare expenses. You’ll still have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap plans, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, help fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage.
In Georgia, popular standardized Medigap plans include Plan G and Plan N.
- Plan G: This comprehensive plan covers most out-of-pocket costs, including coinsurance, copayments, and excess charges, but it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible. Average monthly premiums for popular plans are $150 to $200.
- Plan N: A more budget-friendly option, Plan N covers most of the exact costs as Plan G but requires you to pay copayments for some doctor and emergency room visits. Average monthly premiums for popular plans are $120 to $170.
Top Medigap providers in Georgia, for both Plan G and Plan N, include:
- Pan-American Life
- Western United Life
- State Mutual Insurance
- United Commercial Travellers
Learn more: How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Georgia
Medicare plans in Georgia cover a broad spectrum of needs. Here’s a comprehensive summary of each type of plan so you can make a more informed decision.
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0(if you do not qualify: $285 or $518) | $1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care |
Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment |
Medicare Advantage | $14.29 | Vary per plan($0 – $590) | All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care |
Part D | $73.42 | $462 | Prescription drugs |
Medigap Plan G and N | $120 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Georgia
Choosing the right Medicare provider is just as important as choosing the right plan. Whether you opt for the comprehensive coverage of Medicare Advantage or the supplemental benefits of Medigap, selecting a reputable and reliable provider significantly impacts your healthcare experience and satisfaction.
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Medicare Advantage plans offer a convenient way to bundle your Medicare benefits, often including prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing, all under one plan.
When looking for a plan, research the provider’s reputation for customer service and member satisfaction. Also, ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in the plan’s network.
Carrier | Highest Rating | Lowest Rating | Median Rating | Total Number of MA Contracts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aetna | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 45 |
Centene | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 106 |
Cigna | 4.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 17 |
Elevance (Anthem BCBS) | 5.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 46 |
Humana | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 48 |
United Healthcare | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 75 |
Best Medigap Providers
Medigap plans in Georgia help provide financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs. In addition to affordability and customer satisfaction, choose a provider with a high rating from independent agencies like A.M. Best, which indicates their financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Here’s how the top providers compare for both Plan G and Plan N coverage:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | A.M. Best Rating |
Pan-American Life | $124.15 | $25.00 | A |
Western United Life | $109.50 | $25.00 | B+ |
State Mutual Insurance | $110.66 | $25.00 | B+ |
United Commercial Travelers | $118.10 | None | B+ |
Pekin Insurance | $127.45 | $25.00 | A- |
MassMutual | $127.65 | None | A++ |
Reserve National | $132.90 | None | A- |
Transamerica | $142.68 | None | A+ |
Plan N Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | A.M. Best Rating |
Pan-American Life | $106.72 | $25.00 | A |
Western United Life | $94.92 | $25.00 | B+ |
United Commercial Travelers | $97.05 | None | B+ |
State Mutual Insurance | $97.50 | $25.00 | B+ |
Pekin Insurance | $105.68 | $25.00 | A- |
MassMutual | $111.05 | None | A++ |
AARP | $120.78 | None | A |
Transamerica | $122.24 | None | A+ |
Note: Plan G and Plan N data from MedicareWire
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Georgia
Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel like navigating a maze. With different plan types, costs, and coverage options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are the essential elements you should evaluate when comparing Medicare plans in Georgia:
- Your Health Needs: Start by assessing your current health status and any chronic conditions you may have. Do you require frequent doctor visits or specialist care? Do you anticipate any major medical procedures in the near future?
- Your Prescription Drugs: If you take prescription medications, carefully review the plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) and cost-sharing structure for your medications. Some plans may have higher premiums but offer better coverage or lower costs for your specific drugs.
- Your Budget: Medicare plans come with various costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Your finances will strongly determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on healthcare each month.
- Your Preferred Doctors and Hospitals: If you have established relationships with doctors or prefer specific hospitals, check if they are included in the plan’s network. Some plans have more restrictive networks than others.
- Your Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how it might impact your healthcare needs. Do you travel frequently? Do you prefer in-person or telehealth visits? Some plans offer more flexibility and benefits for different lifestyles.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Georgia
You’ve explored your Medicare options and compared plans. Now, it’s time to take action and enroll in the coverage that best suits your needs.
Medicare has specific enrollment periods that determine when you can sign up for or make changes to your coverage.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your first chance to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, starting three months before you turn 65, plus your birth month, and ending three months after. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D drug plans during this time.
- Annual Election Period (AEP) / Open Enrollment: From October 15th to December 7th each year, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage, like switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or enrolling in/changing Part D plans.
You may be able to enroll or change plans outside the standard periods if you have experienced life events such as moving or losing job-based coverage. These are known as Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs).
There are several ways you can enroll in Medicare, including:
- Online: The easiest and most convenient way to enroll is through the Medicare.gov website. You can create an account, compare plans, and enroll online with just a few clicks.
- By Phone: If you prefer to enroll over the phone, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help is available 24/7 in English and Spanish, as well as language support in over 200 languages.
- In-Person: You can also enroll in person at your local Social Security office. However, it’s recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
- With an Insurance Agent: A licensed insurance agent, such as CoverRight, can provide personalized guidance and help you enroll in a plan that meets your needs.
Medicare Resources for Georgia Residents
Georgia provides various resources and organizations to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, make informed decisions, and access the support they require.
- Georgia Department of Human Services: This department provides valuable information about programs that can help with Medicare costs, including Extra Help, the low-income subsidy program, and Medicare Savings Programs, which help those with limited income and resources.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Georgia SHIP, formerly known as GeorgiaCares, is a Medicare resource center offering free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
- Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner: This office provides assistance to consumers with health insurance questions or problems. Their Medicare-focused website, GeorgiaAccess, helps you find health coverage options in your area.
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Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 13, 2024
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 13, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 13, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 25, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 26, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 26, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 26, 2024.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed November 13, 2024.