Key Takeaways:
- Missouri offers its residents many Medicare options, including 134 Medicare Advantage plans and 16 stand-alone Part D plans.
- All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with zero monthly premiums.
- Finding the best Medicare plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs and the insurer’s claims processing efficiency, among other factors.
Medicare is a complex health insurance program with multiple providers, coverage options, and cost-sharing components.
For eligible residents of Missouri, that often means navigating a confusing maze of choices and considerations that directly affect their healthcare needs and budgets.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Missouri
Medicare consists of four basic plan types. Let’s understand them one by one.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare is the cornerstone of federal health insurance for people aged 65 years and above, and younger individuals with certain diseases and disabilities.
It has two components:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
The Part A deductible in 2025 is $1,676. Coverage is free for those who have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, while others have to pay $285 or $518 in monthly premiums.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): It covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, lab tests, and durable medical equipment.
In 2025, the annual deductible for Part B will be $257, while the monthly premium will be $185.
Despite the comprehensive coverage, Original Medicare does not pay for all healthcare-related costs. Beneficiaries are liable for numerous out-of-pocket costs in the form of copayments and coinsurance.
In Part B, for instance, they have to pay 20% of the approved cost of a service or item once they have met the annual deductible.
In Part A, similarly, the $1,676 deductible is not payable once annually but for each benefit period.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage or Part C plans are a private alternative to the public Original Medicare.
By federal mandate, private insurers are free to add additional coverage options to these plans as long as they provide all the benefits of Original Medicare.
That could mean coverage for prescription drugs, hearing, vision, and dental services, and even certain wellness programs, depending on the particular plan and provider.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
Here are some important facts about Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri:
- Average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans went up from $10.19 in 2024 to $12.69 in 2025.
- The state offers 134 Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 compared to 139 plans in 2024.
- All Medicare enrollees in the state have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with $0 premiums.
Here’s a look at the top Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri:
Carrier | -Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
United Healthcare | 3.93 | 49 states and Washington, DC. | $0 | $0 | $5,500 |
Humana | 3.63 | 48 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. | $0 | $600 | $4,150 |
Aetna | 4.27 | 44 states and Washington, DC. | $0 | $0 | $2,500 |
NOTE: Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Plans compared for Missouri Zip Code 65043. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Top Medicare Advantage providers in Missouri include:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
Looking for Clarity in Your Medicare Choices?
At CoverRight, we have a precise understanding of the Medicare landscape in Missouri.
That’s what enables us to provide you with personalized guidance in choosing coverage that best aligns with your healthcare needs and finances.
Take the guesswork out of Medicare and start saving.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D plans are designed to cover some of the costs of prescription drugs and make them more affordable and accessible.
Part D can be bought as a stand-alone plan with Original Medicare or come as a bundled benefit under Medicare Advantage plans.
There are two key considerations to choosing a Part D plan:
Plan Formulary
A formulary refers to the list of drugs covered by a Part D plan. It is arranged into different cost-sharing structures which determine what you’ll pay out-of-pocket for each medication you need.
Pharmacy Networks
Each Part D plan works with a defined network of pharmacies, and it can be difficult to fill prescriptions outside that network. Make sure your preferred pharmacies are covered while comparing Part D plans.
Here are some key facts about Part D plans in Missouri in 2025:
- The state offers 16 stand-alone Part D plans in 2025, with all Medicare enrollees having access to at least one.
- 64.69% of people with Part D coverage can move to a plan with lower premiums than they paid in 2024.
- 23.09% of Part D enrollees in Missouri receive additional financial aid through the federal Extra Help program.
The cost of a Part D plan is determined by multiple factors, including the particular medications you require, your area of residence, and your income.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs under Medicare Part D have been capped at $2,000 per year.
Learn more: Your Guide to Understanding the Cost of Medicare Part D.
Here are the top Medicare Part D plans in Missouri:
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
Blue MedicareRx Plus | $76.10 | $590 | 3.5 |
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $127 | $175 | 2.5 |
Humana Basic Rx Plan | $69.80 | $590 | 3.5 |
Wellcare Classic | $27.30 | $590 | 3.5 |
Clear Spring Health Value Rx | $12.90 | $590 | 2 |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans can offset some out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Missouri offers 10 standardized Medigap plans labeled A through N. Benefits under these plans remain the same regardless of the insurer, though premium costs may vary.
Two of the most popular Medigap plans in Missouri are Plan G and Plan N.
Let’s understand how they compare:
- Plan G covers almost all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare except the Part B deductible.
The comparatively higher premiums of this plan are compensated by the predictability of expenses they offer.
- Plan N has relatively lower monthly premiums but includes some cost-sharing on doctor visits and emergency room care.
Although it doesn’t cover either the Part B deductible or excess charges, this plan is ideal for budget-conscious individuals who want to balance costs with care.
Learn more: Medicare Part B Excess Charges
Medigap Plan G premiums in Missouri can range from $237 to $409 per month. Your actual premium depends on factors like gender, location, and tobacco use.
Premiums for Plan N can range from $85 to $200 per month.
Top Medigap providers in Missouri include:
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Humana
- Aetna
- Mutual of Omaha
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Missouri
Here’s a breakdown of what different Medicare plans cost in Missouri in 2025:
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 | $17 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $46.50 | $590 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plans | $85 – $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 Missouri
Here’s a closer look at some of Missouri’s top private insurers when it comes to Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
To get the best value for your money, compare Medicare Advantage providers based on the following factors:
- Additional benefits offered and their relevance for you.
- The extent of coverage in your particular area.
- Partnerships with leading hospitals and medical facilities near you.
Make sure to see how different plans align with your current health status, your lifestyle choices, and anticipated medical needs in the coming years.
Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?
Best Medigap Providers
Here are the most important considerations behind choosing a Medigap provider in Missouri:
- Experience with local healthcare trends.
- History of rate stability.
- Claims processing efficiency.
- Diversity of plan options.
- The insurer’s financial strength.
- Customer feedback and ratings.
Independent rating agencies like AM Best can be helpful in evaluating specific providers.
Here are the top providers of Medigap Plan G in Missouri:
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Transamerica | $143.96 | None | A+ |
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield | $120.97 | None | A |
Perkin Insurance | $126.35 | None | A- |
Americo Life | $126.35 | None | A |
Cigna | $136.83 | None | A |
AARP | $163.77 | None | A |
USAA Life | $172.21 | None | A++ |
Reserve National | $172.50 | None | A- |
Thrivent | $173.14 | None | A++ |
Globe Life | $176.50 | None | A+ |
These are the top providers of Medigap Plan N in Missouri:
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Transamerica | $123.33 | None | A+ |
Perkin Insurance | $102.15 | $25 | A- |
Americo Life | $106.09 | None | A |
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield | $109.79 | None | A |
Cigna | $112.35 | None | A |
AARP | $126.96 | None | A |
USAA Life | $132.26 | None | A++ |
Reserve National | $144.25 | None | A- |
Globe Life | $151.50 | None | A+ |
United American | $181.80 | None | A+ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Missouri
Start with a comprehensive evaluation of your healthcare needs.
- Consider how frequently you need medical care, the type of care needed, and whether you need specialized treatments or suffer from chronic conditions.
- Next, assess ongoing treatments, planned procedures, and optional medical treatments and surgeries. Make sure they are covered in your chosen plan.
- Finally, make sure your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and medical equipment suppliers are in-network under your plan.
The next step is a thorough review of the plan’s coverage details, monthly and annual costs, and extra benefits.
- Compare plans according to their total annual costs, not just monthly premiums. Take into account copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Assess your prescription drug requirements and check what different Part D plans are going to charge you for it, both monthly and annually.
- Compare the additional benefits different Medicare Advantage plans offer. Find out what is relevant given your healthcare needs and worth paying for.
Contact a Medicare counselor or a licensed insurance agent like CoverRight for assistance regarding Medicare costs and coverage options.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Missouri
Missouri residents receiving Social Security benefits for at least four months are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65.
Others must enroll during applicable Medicare enrollment periods, which include:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): it begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and continues for the next three months. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Part C, and Part D prescription drug plans during this period.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7 of each year, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa, change Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D plan, or switch Part D plans.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): This is when you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. The MA OP runs from January 1 to March 31 each year,
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain qualifying life events such as relocating to another state, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid can trigger an SEP. This is an opportunity to sign up for Medicare outside the standard enrollment periods.
Learn more: Medicare Special Enrollment Periods: What Are They?
Steps to Enroll
Let’s go over the enrollment process step-by-step:
- Prepare Your Paperwork: This includes your Medicare card (if already enrolled), Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, list of medications, and current healthcare providers.
- Decide How to Enroll: You have four options.
-
- Online: Through the Social Security Administration or the Medicare websites.
- By Phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll.
- In Person: By visiting your local SSA office. Find it through the SSA office locator.
- Through an Agent: Licensed insurance agencies like CoverRight offer personalized guidance and support throughout the Medicare enrollment process.
Additional Medicare Resources for Missouri Residents
Missouri offers its residents several additional resources to help them understand their options, navigate various available choices, and make informed decisions about their health insurance.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers unbiased Medicare counseling and Education to beneficiaries, families, and caregivers.
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS): Provides assistance with Medicare plans, coverage options, and enrolment periods.
Make Medicare simple in Missouri.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Missouri 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 February 2, 2025.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 10, 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed February 10, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed February 5, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 31, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed February 4, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed February 2, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 31, 2025.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2025. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed January 27, 2025.