Medicare Insurance in Maryland
Find the best Medicare plan for Maryland residents
Maryland has nearly 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries — a population that continues to grow as the state's large baby boomer generation ages into eligibility. With a mix of urban centers like Baltimore, suburban communities surrounding Washington D.C., and rural areas on the Eastern Shore, Maryland residents have access to a wide variety of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. Understanding your options is key to finding the coverage that fits your health needs and budget.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Medicare Insurance in Maryland
- Learn the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap so you can choose the approach that best fits your health needs and financial situation.
- Compare plans every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), as plan benefits, premiums, and provider networks can change annually.
- Check whether your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Review the plan's formulary (drug list) to confirm your prescriptions are covered at an acceptable cost under Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Consider your travel habits — if you spend time in multiple states or travel frequently, a Medigap plan may offer more flexibility than a regional Medicare Advantage plan.
- Use Maryland's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), called the Maryland Insurance Administration's Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, for free, unbiased counseling.
- Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) to avoid late enrollment penalties.
- Understand the differences between Medigap plan letters (Plan G and Plan N are among the most popular) to find the right balance of coverage and premium cost.
- Factor in out-of-pocket maximums when comparing Medicare Advantage plans — lower premiums do not always mean lower total costs if you need significant care.
- Work with a licensed, independent Medicare insurance agent in Maryland who can compare plans from multiple carriers on your behalf at no cost to you.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Maryland?
Maryland Medicare beneficiaries have access to a robust Medicare Advantage market. In 2024, Maryland residents could choose from over 60 Medicare Advantage plans offered across the state, with availability varying by county. The Baltimore metro area and suburban Washington D.C. counties (including Montgomery, Prince George's, and Howard counties) tend to have the highest number of plan options. Major carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, and Cigna. Many plans offer $0 premiums along with extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. Maryland's Medicare Advantage enrollment rate has grown steadily, with roughly half of all Maryland Medicare beneficiaries now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
How Many Medicare Supplement Plans Are Offered in Maryland?
Maryland is a strong market for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, with more than 30 insurance carriers offering standardized Medigap policies in the state. All federally standardized Medigap plan letters are available in Maryland, including Plan A, Plan B, Plan D, Plan G, Plan K, Plan L, Plan M, and Plan N. (Plans C and F are available only to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.) Plan G is currently the most popular Medigap plan among new enrollees in Maryland due to its comprehensive coverage, and Plan N is a cost-effective alternative with modest copays. Leading Medigap carriers in Maryland include Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Maryland-based CareFirst. Because Medigap premiums vary significantly by carrier for the same plan letter, comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.
Senior Population Facts (Over 65)
Maryland has a substantial and growing senior population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 1.1 million Marylanders — roughly 18% of the state's total population — are age 65 or older. The senior population is concentrated in counties such as Worcester, Talbot, and Queen Anne's on the Eastern Shore, as well as in suburban counties like Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, and Montgomery County. Maryland consistently ranks among the wealthier states in the nation, but cost-of-living pressures remain a concern for many seniors living on fixed incomes.
- Healthcare: Maryland operates under a unique all-payer hospital rate-setting system, which means hospitals charge the same rates regardless of insurer — an arrangement that can benefit Medicare beneficiaries by stabilizing hospital costs. The state is home to world-class health systems including Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical System, giving many Maryland seniors access to top-tier specialists and research hospitals.
- Housing: Maryland seniors face some of the highest housing costs in the mid-Atlantic region, particularly in Montgomery and Howard counties near Washington D.C. However, the state offers property tax credits and the Homeowners' Tax Credit program specifically designed to help lower-income seniors manage housing expenses. Many retirees in Maryland gravitate toward the Eastern Shore and western Maryland for more affordable living options.
- Economic Security: Maryland does not tax Social Security income, and the state offers a pension exclusion of up to $36,200 for qualifying residents age 65 and older, providing meaningful tax relief for retirees. The Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) helps eligible lower-income seniors with Medicare Part D costs. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Aging administers a network of local Area Agencies on Aging that connect seniors with benefits counseling, meal programs, transportation, and other support services.