Some Medicare Advantage plans offer low or $0 premiums while bundling in benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover at all. For beneficiaries on a fixed income, that difference can matter a lot.

What you're actually paying under Original Medicare

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B, and beneficiaries are generally responsible for applicable premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs. Most people pay a monthly Part B premium, and some may also pay a Part A premium.

Because Original Medicare generally does not cover outpatient prescription drugs, beneficiaries may choose to enroll in a standalone Part D plan. Some also purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Your total costs will depend on the coverage you choose, the healthcare services and medications you use, and other individual circumstances. Comparing your Medicare coverage options can help you understand the costs and benefits associated with each.

How Medicare Advantage can reduce what you pay each month

Most Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D drug coverage directly into the plan, which means one monthly premium covers both your medical and prescription benefits. Beyond consolidation, these plans may offer cost advantages that standalone Part D plans don't.

01
Low or $0 plan premiums

Many Medicare Advantage plans are available at low or $0 monthly premiums, separate from what you already pay for Part B. For beneficiaries currently on Original Medicare and paying for both a standalone drug plan and a supplement policy, consolidating into a single Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan may reduce monthly costs meaningfully. Availability of low or $0 premium plans varies by location and eligibility.

02
Drug coverage included

Most Medicare Advantage plans may include Part D prescription drug coverage, eliminating the need for a separate plan and its associated premium. Depending on what you currently pay for standalone drug coverage, this alone can offset a significant portion of your monthly spending.

03
An annual out-of-pocket maximum

Original Medicare has no cap on what you can owe in a given year. Medicare Advantage plans are required to include an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which limits your financial exposure if something unexpected happens. Once you reach that limit, covered services cost you nothing for the rest of the year.

04
Additional benefits at no added cost

Many Medicare Advantage plans bundle in supplemental benefits — such as dental, vision, hearing, and/or fitness programs — that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Accessing these through your plan rather than paying out of pocket separately can add up to real annual savings.

NOTE: Premium amounts, benefit availability, and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and location. Low or $0 premium plans may have different cost-sharing structures for services. Comparing total costs — not just the monthly premium — is the best way to evaluate your options.

What to watch out for when comparing costs

A low or $0 premium doesn't tell the whole story. Plans with lower monthly premiums may have different copays, deductibles, or network restrictions that affect your total annual cost. The goal isn't to find the cheapest premium — it's to find the plan where your total out-of-pocket spending, including premiums, copays, and drug costs, is lowest for your specific situation.

That calculation looks different for everyone, which is why a side-by-side comparison based on your actual health needs and current medications is the most useful starting point.

Senior looking happier while reviewing finances

How to find out what's available in your area

Medicare Advantage plan pricing and availability are local. A plan with low or $0 premiums in one ZIP code may not exist in another. A licensed insurance agent can compare plans available in your area, walk you through the total cost picture for each option, and help you find a plan that fits your budget and your health needs — at no cost to you.

See which low or $0 premium Medicare Advantage
plans are available near you

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We represent Medicare Advantage plans with the following carriers:AETNA BETTER HEALTH INC. (NJ)®, Aetna®, Florida Blue Medicare®, HealthSpring℠, UnitedHealthcare®, Care N Care®, Clover Health®, Allina Health |Aetna Medicare®, Zing Health Inc.®, Wellcare®, Molina Healthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield