Who has the cheapest Medicare plan?

There's no single "cheapest" plan as it depends on your needs, but Wellcare often has low-premium Part D (drug) plans, while Humana offers many $0 premium Medicare Advantage (Part C) options with good drug coverage, and Wellabe is noted for low Medigap (Supplement) prices. For lower monthly costs with some shared expenses, Medicare Plans K & L are budget-friendly Medigap choices, but you must compare costs and benefits using the official Medicare Plan Finder.


Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

What is the best insurance to go with Medicare?

There's no single "best" Medicare plan, as it depends on your needs, but top-rated providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) often include Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Humana, and Kaiser Permanente, praised for wide networks, low costs, or extra benefits like dental/vision; for Medicare Supplement (Medigap), UnitedHealthcare/AARP and Humana frequently lead in perks and overall value. Always compare plans on Medicare.gov for your specific location and prescriptions, considering costs, doctor networks, and extra benefits like vision, dental, or fitness programs. 


What is the least expensive Medicare drug plan?

The least expensive Medicare Part D plan varies, but Wellcare Value Script often has the lowest premiums (sometimes $0) with $0 Tier 1 generics, while the Humana Value Rx Plan offers $0 Tier 1 & 2 copays at preferred pharmacies and low overall costs, especially for common generics like Atorvastatin. However, the "best" plan depends on your specific drugs, so use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to compare plans for your medications to find your lowest total cost. 

Who has the best prescription plan for seniors?

Best Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans for 2026
  • Best Overall: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Plan Costs: Humana.
  • Best for Overall Quality: Aetna.
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)


Outpriced and Overlooked | Aging Matters



Is Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare better?

UnitedHealthcare gets slightly higher overall star ratings than BCBS and may offer lower prices, but BCBS might offer a better customer experience.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

What medicare plan covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare covers most medically necessary services and supplies in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other health care facilities.


Is Humana or UnitedHealthcare better for Medicare?

Neither Humana nor UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is universally better; the best choice depends on your location and health needs, with UHC often praised for higher star ratings, large networks, and digital tools, while Humana shines with more $0 premium options, wellness benefits (SilverSneakers), and strong patient experience in some rankings. UHC excels if broad provider access and robust digital support matter, while Humana is great for cost savings and preventative care focus. 

How much is taken out of your social security check for Medicare?

The amount taken from your Social Security check for Medicare depends on your income and plan, but the standard is the Medicare Part B premium, which is $202.90 monthly for most people in 2026, automatically deducted from benefits if you receive them. Higher earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA) for Part B and Part D, while some with low income or qualifying for Medicaid may pay less or have premiums covered, with amounts adjusted annually. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 


What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.


What happens if I can't afford Medicare?

If you can't afford Medicare, you may qualify for state-run Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that help pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, or other programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income individuals, with options to find local help through your State Medical Assistance office or resources like BenefitsCheckUp. If you simply stop paying premiums without assistance, you risk losing coverage after a grace period, but can often re-enroll later. 

How can I lower my Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 


Why is my Medicare $500 a month?

Medicare Premiums Over $500

However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.

What is the best insurance to have with Medicare?

There's no single "best" Medicare plan, as it depends on your needs, but top-rated providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) often include Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Humana, and Kaiser Permanente, praised for wide networks, low costs, or extra benefits like dental/vision; for Medicare Supplement (Medigap), UnitedHealthcare/AARP and Humana frequently lead in perks and overall value. Always compare plans on Medicare.gov for your specific location and prescriptions, considering costs, doctor networks, and extra benefits like vision, dental, or fitness programs. 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 


What age is Medicare free?

Eligibility and Enrollment

Age 65 and older. Under age 65 with certain disabilities. With End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone

You can also: Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 


Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?

Disadvantages of UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for seniors often involve its Medicare Advantage plans, including potentially restrictive provider networks, frequent prior authorizations slowing care, high denial rates for claims, and significant geographical variations in plan quality, meaning benefits and costs can differ greatly by location, sometimes leading to surprise out-of-pocket costs or limited access to specific doctors/hospitals. 

Is Anthem cheaper than UnitedHealthcare?

Generally speaking, United's full network HMO is less expensive than Anthem's HMO network.