Key Takeaways:
- There are 64 Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland with an average monthly premium of $30.92. All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to at least one $0 premium plan.
- Many beneficiaries opt for Medicare Supplement plans to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Popular plans in the state include Medigap Plan G and Plan N.
- Maryland residents have access to 14 stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans, with over 70% of beneficiaries able to switch to a lower-premium plan in 2025.
Maryland residents face countless options and decisions when it comes to Medicare coverage.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your current coverage, understanding your choices is key to getting the most value from your health insurance.
This guide demystifies Medicare plans in Maryland by breaking down plan costs and benefits and helping you make informed decisions.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Maryland
Before diving into specific plans, let’s examine the core Medicare options available to Maryland residents in 2025.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare provides essential health insurance coverage through two components:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Provides coverage for inpatient care, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care.
In 2025, most Maryland residents qualify for premium-free Part A through their work history. Those without sufficient Medicare tax contributions may pay monthly premiums of $285 or $518.
For Part A, each benefit period carries a $1,676 deductible, with additional costs varying according to the length of inpatient care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services, including preventive services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests.
In 2025, Maryland residents typically pay $185 in monthly premiums for Part B, though this amount may vary based on income. You are also liable for 20% of all Medicare-approved costs for an item or service once you’ve met your $257 Part B yearly deductible.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage of Part C plans have transformed how many Maryland residents experience their healthcare benefits.
Private insurers offer Part C plans as an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans bundle all the benefits of Part A and Part B plans with additional coverage for prescription drugs, hearing, vision, and dental care, and even certain wellness programs.
Maryland offers 64 Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.
- All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in the state came down from $33.05 in 2024 to $30.92 in 2025.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0, and all Maryland beneficiaries can access at least one such plan.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
Kaiser Permanente(Medicare Advantage Value Balt Plan) | 4.41 ★ | 8 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $8,200 |
Humana (Humana Gold Plus Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, D.C., PR | $36 | $750 + $300 (Tiers 4-5 Prescription Drugs only) | $8,550 |
Aetna(Aetna Medicare Value Plus Plan) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and D.C. | $17.70 | $0 | $6,750 |
Cigna (Cigna Alliance Medicare Plan) | 3.93 ★ | 29 states and D.C. | $32 | $0 | $9,200 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Maryland Zip Code 21215. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland include:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Kaiser Permanente
Medicare decisions shouldn’t keep you up at night.
Let CoverRight’s Medicare experts guide you through Medicare plans in Maryland and find the best coverage for your needs.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
In Maryland, Part D prescription drug plans offer a valuable way to keep healthcare expenses under control while ensuring easy access to essential prescription medications.
Whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, adding a Part D plan can be a smart move.
These plans help you save money at the pharmacy and protect yourself from unexpected price hikes.
Each Part D plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs organized into different cost-sharing tiers.
When comparing different Part D plans, make sure the medications you need are included in the formulary and how much you have to pay out-of-pocket for each one.
Learn more: How to Compare Medicare Part D Plans.
In 2025, Maryland beneficiaries can access 14 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all Medicare enrollees having access to at least one plan.
- 73.7% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can switch to a plan with a lower premium than in 2024.
- 25.39% of Part D beneficiaries can access Extra Help, thanks to the expanded eligibility of this federal financial assistance program.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan is $0.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
WellCare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $119.80 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $99.30 | $175 | 2.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
While Original Medicare provides valuable coverage, many Maryland residents find themselves needing additional protection against out-of-pocket expenses.
Medigap plans help bridge these coverage gaps by paying for costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
This increases your financial security and makes healthcare costs more predictable.
Medigap plans are standardized, so they offer the same essential benefits regardless of which insurance company sells them. Premiums, however, can vary based on age, gender, location, and tobacco use.
Two of the most popular Medigap plans in Maryland are Plan G and Plan N:
- Plan G offers extensive coverage by paying nearly all out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare except the Part B deductible.
- Plan N has lower premiums but with cost-sharing for certain doctor visits and emergency room care. It does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges.
Top Medigap providers for Plan G and Plan N in Maryland include:
- AARP
- Thrivent
- Cigna
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Maryland
Let’s break down typical Medicare costs in Maryland to help you budget effectively.
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). | $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 | $30.92 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $55.24 | $475 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plan G and Plan 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 Maryland
Let’s examine who stands out in Maryland’s health insurance marketplace when it comes to Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
It’s important to look beyond zero or low premiums when evaluating Medicare Advantage providers in Maryland.
Look at the following factors to get the most value for your money:
- Network Quality: Look for providers with networks that include your preferred doctors and hospitals and give you access to specialists, urgent care, and out-of-state healthcare options.
- Coverage Benefits: Find which extra benefits are most important for you, and which extras would be beneficial but not high priority. This may include prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, and hearing coverage, wellness programs, gym memberships, telehealth services, and more.
- Customer Experience: Research customer ratings and reviews to understand the extent of a provider’s local presence, claims processing efficiency, and customer support effectiveness.
Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?
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 |
Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).
Best Medigap Providers
Maryland’s top Medigap providers distinguish themselves with their reputation for customer service, claims processing, and financial stability.
You can learn more about each provider through ratings from independent agencies like AM Best.
Here are the top providers for Medigap Plan G and Plan N in Maryland:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $119.32 | $25.00 | A++ |
AARP | $127.65 | None | A |
Cigna | $127.38 | None | A |
MassMutual | $130.20 | None | A++ |
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield | $144.92 | None | N/A |
United American | $165.00 | None | A+ |
Standard Life | $209.67 | None | A |
Equitable National | $124.35 | $20.00 | N/A |
Unified Life | $128.93 | $25.00 | B++ |
United of Omaha | $134.12 | None | A+ |
Plan N Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $100.79 | $25.00 | A++ |
AARP | $104.34 | None | A |
United American | $101.00 | None | A+ |
Cigna | $108.20 | None | A |
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield | $110.15 | None | N/A |
MassMutual | $112.38 | None | A++ |
USAA Life | $115.94 | None | A++ |
Standard Life | $179.25 | None | A |
Equitable National | $93.23 | $20.00 | N/A |
Everence | $98.12 | None | N/A |
Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Maryland
Finding your ideal Medicare coverage calls for a precise evaluation of your healthcare needs, budget constraints, and coverage preferences.
Here’s a practical approach to making your selection:
- Start with your healthcare profile.
Make a document with the following information:
- Your current medical providers and facilities.
- All prescription medications.
- Typical healthcare service usage.
- Planned procedures or treatments.
- Your travel patterns.
- Understand your cost tolerance.
Review your financial status to find the most optimal plan:
- Define your budget for monthly premiums.
- Consider your ability to meet out-of-pocket expenses.
- Evaluate different deductibles.
- Factor in prescription drug costs.
- Think about future healthcare expenses. Compare available plan types.
Medicare plans that work well for someone else may not work the same for you.
Weigh the benefits of Original Medicare against Medicare Advantage plans after considering your healthcare needs.
When evaluating Part D plans, review different plan formularies carefully to get the most value.
Finally, determine if a Medigap plan will help keep your health insurance costs down.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Maryland
Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is key to avoiding coverage gaps and late penalties.
Here are the four Medicare enrollment windows:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and includes the next three months. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans during this period.
- Annual Open Enrollment Period: You can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage from October 15 to December 7 each year. That includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan) from January 1 to March 31 of each year.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain qualifying life events such as relocating, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid may trigger an SEP. This is an opportunity to enroll in Medicare outside the standard enrollment periods.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to enrolling in Medicare:
- Gather your information: You’ll need your Medicare card (if you already have one), Social Security card, and other personal identification documents. You may also need to provide tax information, bank account information, and a list of existing prescription medications.
- Explore Your Options: Research the different Medicare plans available in Maryland by comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans side-by-side.
- Enroll Online or By Phone: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online through the Medicare website. This is often the quickest and easiest method. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll by phone.
- Enroll 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 Maryland Residents
Several organizations offer comprehensive support to help Maryland residents navigate Medicare decisions.
- The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased, and personalized counseling on all aspects of Medicare. Its trained counselors can help you understand coverage options, compare plans, handle appeals, and navigate enrollment periods.
- 211 Maryland is a vital connection point for healthcare resources, including Medicare information. It offers free assistance and connects you with local healthcare resources and support services.
- The Maryland Department of Aging maintains a comprehensive website with Medicare resources and direct links to each county’s SHIP office.
Make Medicare simple in Maryland.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Maryland healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed March 20, 2025.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed March 24, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 9, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 20, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 23, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 22, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed March 25, 2025.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2025. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed March 19, 2025.