Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance options many Maryland residents choose instead of Original Medicare.
These plans, also called Medicare Part C, combine Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into one plan and often include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
For 2026, comparing plan rates, benefits, and networks is essential to find coverage that fits your needs.
Average Medicare Advantage Plan Premiums in Maryland for 2026
The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland in 2026 is approximately $25.68, down from about $28.48 in 2025.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Many plans now offer a $0 premium beyond the standard Medicare Part B fee. It is important to consider the total cost, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Maryland in 2026?
Maryland offers around 63 Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, with availability varying by county or ZIP code. Every beneficiary in the state has access to at least one $0-premium plan.
To see which plans are available where you live, use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder and review county-specific details on the Maryland Health Insurance Assistance Program.
What Extra Benefits Do Medicare Advantage Plans Include in 2026?
Many Medicare Advantage plans provide benefits beyond Original Medicare. These often include vision exams and eyeglasses, dental cleanings and procedures, hearing tests and hearing aids, and wellness programs or gym memberships.
Prescription drug coverage is usually included as well.
How Do Star Ratings Affect Your Plan Choice?
CMS assigns star ratings from 1 to 5 to Medicare Advantage plans based on quality measures such as preventive care, chronic condition management, and customer service. Higher-rated plans tend to provide better care and reliability.
In Maryland, plans from carriers like UnitedHealthcare and Kaiser Permanente have achieved ratings of 4.5 and 5 stars. Star ratings can help beneficiaries choose plans that meet both healthcare and budget needs while ensuring quality services.
When Can You Enroll in or Change a Medicare Advantage Plan?
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, during which you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans. There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 that allows limited changes.
Special Enrollment Periods may apply in cases like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying life events.
How Do 2026 Rate Policies Affect Maryland Medicare Advantage Plans?
CMS finalized 2026 rate updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, which affect plan premiums, payments to carriers, and benefits.
These changes ensure Medicare Advantage plans can continue providing services statewide.
What Should You Compare Beyond Premiums?
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, review more than monthly premiums.
Key factors include provider networks to ensure your preferred doctors are included, prescription drug coverage for medications you take, out-of-pocket maximums, and additional benefits like dental or wellness programs.
How Can Maryland Residents Get Help Choosing a Plan?
Residents can get free, personalized assistance from Medicare counselors by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or through the Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Licensed agents and SHIP counselors can explain plan options, benefits, costs, and enrollment rules.
