Over 120,000 residents currently use Medicare in Columbia, Maryland. Of this number, 23,000 beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, for a participation rate of nearly 20%. This article will explore the Medicare Supplement plans available to residents of Columbia, MD.
Medicare plans in Columbia, Maryland
Maryland Supplemental Medicare plans offer a range of benefits that can positively impact beneficiaries. These plans extend coverage to include costs that would otherwise fall to consumers as out-of-pocket expenses. Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans are available and can supplement Medicare Part A and B in Maryland. The figures below simulate a 70-year-old female beneficiary.
Medicare Advantage plans
Over 23,000 residents currently have a Maryland Medicare Advantage plan. These plans offer different advantages than Medigap plans. As a part of Montgomery County, Columbia residents can access 22 different Medicare Advantage plans, more than many counties in the state but still below the national average.
Kaiser Permanente is a popular option for Medicare Advantage coverage in Maryland. With a five-star rating, zero-dollar monthly premiums, and a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) of $6,900, Kaiser’s plan is one of the most affordable in the state. Choosing Kaiser as a nationally recognized brand can give beneficiaries valuable peace of mind.
Alterwood Advantage is another excellent option for Medicare Advantage coverage in Columbia, Maryland. Their five-star rating proves their service is amazing, and their $37 monthly premiums keep consumer costs low. The $7,550 MOOP is slightly higher than Kaiser’s but still reasonable compared to most competitors.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Columbia, Maryland
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Kaiser Permanente | $0 | $6,900 | HMO | 5 |
| Alterwood Advantage | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | N/A |
| Kaiser Permanente | $0 | $7,200 | HMO | 5 |
| Alterwood Advantage | $37.00 | $7,550 | HMO | N/A |
Medicare Supplement plans
Plan G is popular with beneficiaries due to its comprehensive coverage. Premiums for this Medigap plan range from $124.39 to $400.72. This plan covers all medical expenses, including Part B deductibles.
Another popular Medigap plan is Plan F. With premiums ranging from $146.64 to $460.52, this option is a bit pricier than other options but offers compelling benefits. Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage possible, including Medicare excess charges.
A more affordable but still effective option for Maryland beneficiaries is Plan N. With premiums starting at $104.01 up to $382.15, Plan N offers solid coverage with a few disadvantages. For example, plan N beneficiaries must pay co-pays for most medical services.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Columbia, Maryland
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $128.51 | $1,485.37 |
| PLAN B | $145.94 | $410.63 |
| PLAN C | $172.90 | $559.37 |
| PLAN D | $185.56 | $239.09 |
| PLAN F | $146.64 | $460.52 |
| PLAN HDF | $44.50 | $82.45 |
| PLAN G | $124.39 | $400.72 |
| PLAN HDG | $38.98 | $80.53 |
| PLAN K | $67.51 | $153.62 |
| PLAN L | $85.67 | $295.48 |
| PLAN M | $104.96 | $449.02 |
| PLAN N | $104.01 | $382.15 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Medigap plans don’t cover prescription medication costs, and Medicare Advantage plans may not. For this reason, Medicare Part D plans in Maryland that offer this coverage is an essential part of coverage for most beneficiaries.
A Medicare Part D plan from Aetna costs $7.70 monthly in premiums with a $480 deductible and has earned a three-star rating.
A four-star option, a plan with , comes with a premium of $29.30 and a deductible of $310. Wellcare is another excellent option with a $12.90 premium and $480 deductible.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Columbia, Maryland
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| SilverScript | $7.10 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $12.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring | $17.20 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| $29.30 | $310 | 4 |
Special Needs plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans are a subset of Medicare Advantage plans only available to beneficiaries who meet specific criteria.
While these plans don’t apply to all users of Medicare in Columbia, Maryland, they can significantly decrease the out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries with disabilities or special needs.
In Columbia, offers a plan with institutional enrollment, a $37 monthly premium, and a $1,800 monthly premium.
Carefirst BCBS provides a $0 monthly premium with a $7,550 MOOP and dual enrollment. Finally, offers dual and institutional enrollment plans, with a MOOP of $1,800 for institutional and $7,550 for dual programs.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Columbia, Maryland
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Alterwood Advantage | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Carefirst BCBS | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| $0 | $7,550 | HMO-POS | Dual | |
| $36.30 | $1,800 | LOCAL PPO | Institutional | |
| $37.00 | $1,800 | LOCAL PPO | Institutional |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Columbia, Maryland
Navigating the Medicare system in Columbia, MD, can be challenging, but we’re here to help. At Medigap.com, you can find information about all aspects of the Medicare system. Call today or fill out our online form to get rates for your area.
