Compare Medicare Plans in Washington (January 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Washington offers 20 Part C plans with an average monthly premium of $37.89, and 14 Part D plans with an average monthly premium of $39.41.
• All Washington residents have access to at least one Part C and one Part D plan with $0 premiums.
• The top-rated Medigap Plan G and Plan N providers in Washington include USAA Life, United of Omaha, United American, and Transamerica.

Deciding between Medicare plans in Washington can be difficult. It calls for an understanding of the fundamentals of Medicare coverage, the specific plans and providers available in your area, and matching them with your personal needs.

Whether you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or considering changes to your existing coverage, you need to be as informed as possible before making decisions about your healthcare coverage.

This guide breaks down the essentials of Medicare coverage in Washington to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed choices.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in Washington

Washington residents have access to several types of Medicare coverage, each designed to meet different healthcare needs and preferences.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare is the foundation of Medicare coverage, providing essential hospital and medical insurance for those who qualify.

It consists of two parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and some home healthcare.  Most Washington residents don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you do have to pay a premium, it can be up to $518 per month in 2025.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive screenings, lab tests, medical equipment, and more. The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2025 is $185.

Parts A and B come with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

For Part B, you typically pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs once you’ve paid the $257 annual deductible. You’re responsible for the $1,676 deductible for Part A per benefit period.

Many Washington residents supplement Original Medicare with Medigap plans to help manage these out-of-pocket costs.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage or Part C plans have become increasingly popular among Washington residents seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage. Roughly 40% of all Medicare beneficiaries in Washington are enrolled in a Part C plan.

These plans combine all the benefits of Original Medicare with additional coverage options, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing services, and even some wellness programs.

Here’s an overview of Medicare Advantage plans in Washington in 2025:

• There are 20 Medicare Advantage plans available, with every Medicare-enrolled resident able to access at least one.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Washington is $0, and all Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one such plan.
• The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium is $37.89 in 2025.

Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Washington Zip Code 98052. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Top Medicare Advantage providers in Washington include:

• Aetna
• Kaiser Permanente
• UnitedHealthcare
• Providence Medicare Advantage

Find the right Medicare coverage today.

Finding the right Medicare coverage shouldn’t be a solo journey. At CoverRight, we understand Medicare plans in Washington and help match you with coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Get started today and experience the benefits of personalized Medicare support.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Managing prescription drug costs is a significant concern for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions or those who need multiple medications.

Part D prescription drug plans help you keep medication expenses under control. You can add a Part D plan to Original Medicare or have it included as a part of your Medicare Advantage plan.

Each Part D plan has a formulary, a list of covered drugs organized into different cost-sharing tiers. These tiers determine how much you’re liable to pay out-of-pocket every time you fill your prescription.

Compare plans thoroughly to maximize savings while ensuring you have access to the drugs you need.

Here are some facts about Part D plans in Washington:

• There are 14 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans, with all Medicare beneficiaries having access to at least one such plan.
• 80.49% of Part D beneficiaries can switch to a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan at lower premiums compared to 2024.
• Due to expanded eligibility, 56% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can now get Extra Help, a financial support program for Medicare Part D.
• The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan is $0.

The Inflation Reduction Act has capped out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs at $2,000 per year. Other new benefits include a $35 cost-sharing limit on a month’s supply of covered insulin products and recommended adult vaccines at no cost.

Learn more: Cost of Medicare Part D.

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

While Original Medicare offers substantial coverage, many Washington residents find they need additional protection against out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans fill coverage gaps in Original Medicare by helping pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Among the ten different Medigap plans, Plan G and Plan N, stand out as particularly valuable choices for Washington residents:

• Plan G provides extensive coverage by paying for nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible. It appeals to those seeking predictable healthcare costs and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
• Plan N offers similar benefits at a lower premium point but includes some cost-sharing features, including small copayments for certain doctor and emergency room visits. Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges. It is an attractive choice, nevertheless, for budget-conscious beneficiaries.

Learn more: Medicare Part B Excess Charges

Washington is one of the few states where premiums for Medigap plans are community-rated. That means insurance providers cannot charge higher premiums based on age or gender. They are still allowed, however, to base premiums on other factors such as smoking habits or your residential area.

The highest-rated Medigap Plan G and Plan N providers in Washington are:

• AARP
• Transamerica
• USAA Life
• Regence BlueShield
• Globe Life

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Washington

Let’s break down the different Medicare plans in Washington.

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 Washington

Let’s find out how to identify standout Medigap Advantage and Medigap providers in Washington.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan requires looking beyond the low premiums many providers advertise. The true value of a healthcare plan lies in the total package of benefits, provider networks, and cost-sharing structures.

You must also look at customer reviews for each provider, their financial stability ratings, and local presence.

Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers

Best Medigap Providers

Medigap providers in Washington help you manage the costs associated with Original Medicare. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

The best Medigap providers demonstrate excellence in:

• Financial strength: Look for providers with high ratings from agencies like AM Best that indicate their ability to pay claims.
• Customer satisfaction: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the provider’s reputation for service and support. Remember to look at claims processing rates too.
• Plan options and pricing: Compare premiums and benefits from different providers to find the best value, including transparency in their policy terms.

Here are the top providers for Plan G and Plan N coverage in Washington:

Plan G Providers

Plan N Providers

Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Washington

Finding optimal Medicare coverage in Washington requires careful evaluation of your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences.

Here’s a strategic approach to making your selection:

1. Start with a self-assessment.
   • Before you begin comparing plans, take some time for introspection. Consider your current health status, chronic conditions, if any, and your anticipated healthcare needs in the coming years.
   • Do you see specialists regularly? Do you require specific medications or treatments?
   • Answering these questions is the first step to finding a plan that best aligns with your needs
2. Consider your healthcare budget.
   • Medicare plans come with various costs, including premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and copayments.
   • Take a realistic look at your budget and determine how much you can comfortably allocate to healthcare expenses.
3. Explore the different plan types.
   • Original Medicare provides a solid foundation, but it doesn’t cover everything.
   • Consider whether you want to supplement Original Medicare with a Medigap plan to help manage out-of-pocket costs.
   • Alternatively, explore Medicare Advantage plans that often offer more comprehensive coverage, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
4. Evaluate provider networks.
   • If you have preferred doctors or hospitals, make sure they are included in the plan’s network.
   • A strong network gives you more flexibility and choice in your healthcare providers.
5. Seek expert guidance.
   • Don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted source.
   • Reach out to Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) or an experienced Medicare agent like CoverRight for guidance and support with Medicare options. 

Learn more: How to Choose the Best Medicare Plan

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Washington

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods and procedures is key to securing coverage without penalties.

Here’s all that you need to know:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months thereafter. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D prescription drug plans.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th of each year. That includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make changes from January 1st to March 31st of each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll and return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, such as relocating or losing employer coverage, may trigger a Special Enrollment Period. This window offers you a chance to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your coverage outside the standard enrollment periods.

Learn more: Medicare Special Enrollment Periods

Steps to Enroll:

Start by gathering the information and documents you might need:

• Medicare card (if already enrolled).
• Social Security number.
• Birth certificate.
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency.
• List of current medications.
• Current healthcare providers.

Next, choose your preferred enrollment method:

• Online: You can enroll in Medicare plans online through the Medicare website.
• Phone: You can enroll by phone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
• In-person: You can enroll in person at your local Social Security office.
• Insurance agent: A licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can help with both personalized guidance and enrollment.

Medicare Resources for Washington Residents

Understanding your Medicare options becomes easier with help from these state organizations that empower you to make informed decisions and get the support you need.

• Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA): Volunteers from this organization provide free, unbiased counseling and confidential help with Medicare for Washington residents.
• Washington State Health Care Authority: It provides information about various programs and healthcare services in Washington. That includes Medicare savings programs that help low-income individuals with their Medicare costs.
• Washington State Insurance Commissioner: This office regulates health insurance companies in Washington and provides consumer protection and education resources. You can find information about Medigap plans, insurance providers, and consumer rights on its website.

Make Medicare simple in Washington.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Washington healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 20, 2025.
2. 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 January 20, 2025.
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 20, 2025.
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 20, 2025.
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 20, 2025.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 20, 2025.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed January 17, 2025.

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