Medicare Insurance in Pennsylvania
Find the best Medicare plan for Pennsylvania residents
Pennsylvania has nearly 3 million Medicare beneficiaries — one of the highest totals in the nation. With a large and growing senior population spread across major urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, mid-size cities like Allentown and Erie, and vast rural regions in between, finding the right Medicare coverage in Pennsylvania requires understanding your local plan options and the unique healthcare landscape of the Commonwealth. Whether you are newly eligible or reviewing your current coverage, Pennsylvania residents have access to a wide range of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans designed to fit different budgets and health needs.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Medicare Insurance in Pennsylvania
- Learn the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap so you can choose the coverage structure that best fits your lifestyle and health needs.
- Compare plans every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), because plan benefits, premiums, and networks change annually.
- Check whether your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, since network restrictions vary significantly by carrier and county.
- Understand that Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized by letter, so Plan G from one insurer offers the same core benefits as Plan G from another — shop by price and company reputation.
- Enroll in a Medigap plan during your six-month Open Enrollment window when you first sign up for Medicare Part B to guarantee acceptance regardless of your health history.
- Review prescription drug coverage carefully — if you choose Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you will need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage.
- Contact APPRISE, Pennsylvania's free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), for unbiased, one-on-one counseling about your Medicare options at no cost.
- Consider your travel habits — if you spend time in multiple states or travel frequently, a Medigap plan may offer more flexibility than a Medicare Advantage plan tied to a local network.
- Check whether you qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) or the Medicare Savings Program to reduce costs on premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- Work with a licensed, independent Medicare insurance agent in Pennsylvania who can compare multiple carriers and plans on your behalf and help you enroll at no charge to you.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania residents have access to a robust Medicare Advantage marketplace. On average, Pennsylvania beneficiaries can choose from more than 50 Medicare Advantage plans depending on their county of residence, with urban counties like Philadelphia and Allegheny typically offering the widest selection. Major carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania include Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, and UPMC Health Plan. Many plans include $0 premiums, built-in prescription drug coverage (MAPD), dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits. Plan availability and costs vary by county, so it is important to compare options specific to your zip code each enrollment season.
How Many Medicare Supplement Plans Are Offered in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a standardized Medigap state, meaning Medicare Supplement plans are regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and must follow federally defined benefit structures identified by plan letters. Pennsylvanians can choose from plan letters including Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, Plan F, Plan G, Plan K, Plan L, Plan M, and Plan N. Plan F is still available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, and Plan G is currently the most popular choice for new enrollees due to its comprehensive coverage. Dozens of insurers are licensed to sell Medigap policies in Pennsylvania, including AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Cigna, Highmark, Globe Life, and many others. Because benefits are standardized, premiums are the primary differentiator — rates can vary significantly between carriers for the same plan letter, making price comparison essential.
Senior Population Facts (Over 65)
Pennsylvania has one of the oldest populations of any state in the country. According to U.S. Census data, approximately 2.4 million Pennsylvanians are age 65 or older, representing roughly 19% of the total state population. This proportion places Pennsylvania consistently among the top states nationally for share of residents in the Medicare-eligible age group. The senior population is concentrated in the Philadelphia metro area, the Pittsburgh metro area, and across the central and northeastern regions of the state.
- Healthcare: Pennsylvania seniors have access to a strong network of hospitals and health systems, including Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, UPMC, and Geisinger. However, rural counties in central and northern Pennsylvania face provider shortages, making plan network adequacy a critical consideration for beneficiaries outside major metro areas. Pennsylvania also has a higher-than-average rate of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes among its senior population, underscoring the importance of choosing plans with robust chronic care management benefits.
- Housing: The majority of Pennsylvania seniors are homeowners, with homeownership rates among those 65 and older exceeding 75%. Housing costs are generally more affordable than the national average, particularly outside of Philadelphia, though property taxes can be a burden for seniors on fixed incomes. Pennsylvania offers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for eligible seniors age 65 and older, providing meaningful financial relief to qualifying low- and moderate-income residents.
- Economic Security: The median household income for Pennsylvania seniors is below the statewide median, and a significant share of older Pennsylvanians rely primarily on Social Security income. The poverty rate among residents 65 and older in Pennsylvania is slightly below the national average, though food insecurity and prescription drug costs remain challenges for many. Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENET programs provide prescription drug assistance to seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid, helping to bridge gaps in medication affordability for hundreds of thousands of residents.