Key Takeaways:
- Michigan offers Medicare beneficiaries a wide range of coverage options, including 210 Part C, 16 Part D plans, and several Medigap plans.
- While many Part C plans have $0 premiums, you must compare provider networks, extra benefits, and out-of-pocket costs to find the best value.
- Plan G and Plan N help cover additional Medicare costs. Top providers in Michigan include MassMutual, USAA Life, United World, and Globe Life.
From the bustling streets of Lansing and Detroit to the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, the Wolverine State offers Medicare coverage options as diverse as the state itself.
However, navigating the complexities of Medicare can be challenging, even overwhelming sometimes, given the wide range of options.
This guide will help you understand the different Medicare plans in Michigan, compare their costs and benefits, and find the coverage that best suits your healthcare needs and budget.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Michigan
Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan can access various types of coverage, each designed to meet different healthcare needs and preferences.
Let’s examine each option in detail.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare consists of two parts:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers inpatient needs, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice services. Most Michigan residents qualify for premium-free Part A coverage if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years during their working years.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): It covers outpatient services such as doctor visits, preventive care, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. Michigan residents pay a standard Part B premium of $185 per month in 2025, though this amount may be higher based on your income.
Both parts come with additional out-of-pocket costs.
Once you’ve met your deductible, you’re typically liable for 20% of Medicare-approved costs for Part B services. You’ll need to pay a deductible for Part A services for each benefit period.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage or Part C plans offer Michigan residents an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. These plans combine Original Medicare coverage with additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision services, and even wellness programs.
Private insurers approved by Medicare offer Part C plans for comprehensive healthcare coverage through a single plan.
Learn more: How to Pick the Medicare Part C Plan That Is Best for You.
Michigan has 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries in 2025 with access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The number of Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan has increased from 201 in 2024 to 210 in 2025.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium fell from $21.16 in 2024 to $18.54 in 2025.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0, and all Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one zero-premium plan.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan:
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. | $32 | $0 | $4,100 |
Humana (Humana Full Access Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. | $0 | $250 | $5,900 |
Aetna
(Aetna Medicare Premier Plan) |
4.27 ★ | 44 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $5,500 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield
(BCN Advantage Prime Value Plan) |
3.96 ★ | 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. | $0 | $0 | $4,200 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Michigan Zip Code 49501. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan include:
- Aetna
- Blue Care Network
- Priority Health Medicare
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- HAP Senior Plus
Make your Medicare decision simpler.
At CoverRight, we understand Michigan’s Medicare landscape and can help match you with coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Experience the benefits of personalized Medicare support today.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D refers to standalone plans that complement Original Medicare by offering prescription drug coverage. They ensure access to necessary medications while helping manage pharmacy costs.
Part D plans are particularly important in Michigan given the state’s rapidly aging population.
When selecting a Part D plan in Michigan, consider both current and potential future medication needs. Each Part D plan will have a formulary (list of covered drugs) that organizes medications into different cost-sharing tiers that directly impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
Michigan offers 16 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all residents having access to at least one.
- All Michigan residents with Part D coverage in 2025 have the option to switch to a plan with premiums lower than what they paid in 2024.
- 23.09% of beneficiaries with a Part D plan are eligible for Extra Help, a federally-supported financial assistance program for prescription drugs.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is $0.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
Prescription Blue Premium | $138.90 | $0 | 4 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $110.10 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
Wellcare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
While Original Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage for Michigan residents, it leaves many beneficiaries with significant out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans offer predictable healthcare costs through standardized supplemental coverage options.
These plans provide substantial savings on deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, especially for residents who require frequent medical services or travel between states.
Medigap Plan G and Plan N stand out as popular choices among Michigan Medicare beneficiaries. Here’s why:
- Plan G offers comprehensive coverage by paying for nearly all Medicare-approved costs, including Part B excess charges but excluding the Part B deductible. This plan is ideal for Michigan residents who want maximum coverage and are willing to pay a slightly higher premium for peace of mind.
- Plan N provides similar benefits at a lower premium point but includes some cost-sharing features, including copayments for certain office visits and emergency room care, Many beneficiaries find the lower monthly premiums worth the occasional out-of-pocket costs. Unlike Plan G, however, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges.
Leading Medigap providers for Plan G and Plan N in Michigan include:
- United World
- Aetna
- Bankers Fidelity
- Pekin Insurance
Learn more: 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Medigap.
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Michigan
Understanding typical Medicare costs is essential for choosing the best plan within your budget.
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 | $18.54 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $49.07 | $452 | 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 Michigan
Each Medicare Advantage and Medigap provider in Michigan offers distinct advantages, and choosing the right one can impact your coverage quality, reliability, and costs significantly.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: How to Choose?
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan requires looking beyond monthly premiums. While $0 premium plans may be tempting, the true value lies in understanding each plan’s complete package of benefits and network coverage.
Key factors you must consider when evaluating Medicare Advantage providers include:
- Network strength across different regions of Michigan, from metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
- Coverage for specialized care at major medical centers.
- Additional benefits such as dental coverage, fitness programs, and transportation services.
- Prescription drug formularies and pharmacy networks.
- Cost-sharing structures for frequently used services.
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
Financial stability and customer service quality are as important as competitive rates when it comes to choosing a Medigap provider in Michigan.
The best providers demonstrate consistent reliability in processing claims and responding to beneficiary needs.
Let’s take a look at how Michigan’s top providers for Medigap Plan G and Plan N compare:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
United World | $110.68 | None | A+ |
Aetna | $111.12 | $20.00 | A |
Bankers Fidelity | $107.92 | $25.00 | A- |
Pekin Insurance | $110.13 | $25.00 | A- |
Reserve National | $111.25 | None | A- |
MassMutual | $114.62 | None | A++ |
AARP | $114.80 | None | A |
McLaren Health Plan | $116.93 | None | N/A |
Globe Life | $130.50 | None | A+ |
Transamerica | $133.93 | None | A+ |
Plan N Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
United World | $92.23 | None | A+ |
Aetna | $94.21 | $20.00 | A |
Pekin Insurance | $88.52 | $25.00 | A- |
Bankers Fidelity | $90.41 | $25.00 | A- |
AARP | $94.48 | None | A |
MassMutual | $98.93 | None | A++ |
USAA Life | $99.79 | None | A++ |
McLaren Health Plan | $105.00 | None | N/A |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | $107.99 | None | A- |
Globe Life | $110.00 | None | A+ |
Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Michigan
Finding the ideal Medicare plan in Michigan requires careful consideration of several factors specific to your healthcare needs and circumstances.
Here’s a comprehensive approach to picking the right Medicare plan:
-
Evaluate Your Healthcare Needs
- List your current healthcare providers and confirm if they are in-network for the plans you’re considering.
- Assess any specialist care requirements, especially if you receive treatment at major Michigan medical centers.
- Review your prescription medications to ensure they are covered under the plan’s formulary.
-
Consider Geographic Coverage
- If you live in rural Michigan, verify that the plans provide adequate coverage in your area.
- Opt for broader network plans if you split time between different regions of Michigan.
- Account for seasonal travel patterns, particularly if you spend winters in warmer states.
-
Analyze Total Costs
- Look beyond monthly premiums to understand all potential expenses.
- Calculate anticipated out-of-pocket costs based on your typical healthcare usage.
- Consider deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Review maximum out-of-pocket limits, especially if you have chronic conditions.
-
Assess Additional Benefits
- Compare extra benefits offered by different Medicare Advantage plans.
- Determine if dental, vision, or hearing coverage is important for you.
- Evaluate additional benefits like fitness programs or wellness incentives.
Finally, consider how your health needs might change in the coming years and be ready to change plans if needed.
Learn more: How Much Medicare Costs in 2024
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Michigan
Understanding Medicare enrollment timing and procedures is crucial for securing optimal coverage without penalties.
Here’s what you need to know about the Medicare enrollment process:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Medicare journey typically begins with a seven-month enrollment window.
- It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and extends three months after that.
- You can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Advantage, or Part D plans during this time.
- You may face penalties later if you don’t enroll for Original Medicare when you are first eligible.
Annual Enrollment Period
- Lasts from October 15 to December 7 of each year.
- Lets you switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
- You can change your current Medicare Advantage plan during this period.
- You can also enroll in, change, or drop Medicare Part D coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
- Lasts from January 1 to March 31 of each year.
- Lets you switch Medicare Advantage plans.
- You can return to Original Medicare and optionally add a Part D plan.
Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you experience qualifying life events like relocating or losing coverage.
Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.
Steps to Enroll
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your Medicare card (if already enrolled), Social Security card, birth certificate, and any other relevant personal information.
- Research Your Options: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans, explore costs and benefits, and check provider networks.
- Enroll Online, By Phone, or with an Agent: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or with the assistance of a licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight.
Medicare Resources for Michigan Residents
Several organizations in Michigan provide free support to help you navigate your Medicare options.
- Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP): Provides free, unbiased counseling services to help you understand your Medicare options, including plan comparisons, enrollment assistance, coverage explanations, and guidance through the decision-making process.
- Department of Insurance and Financial Services: Serves as the state’s official resource for basic Medicare information. Helps residents understand their insurance options while providing essential updates on policy changes affecting Michigan’s Medicare beneficiaries.
- Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan: Acts as a dedicated advocate for older adults and people living with disabilities in Michigan. It offers valuable information and support services to connect residents with local resources and community-based assistance.
Make Medicare simple in Michigan.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Michigan 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 December 4, 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 December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.