Which states have the best Medicare policies?

Question

Lynn C Shurtleff · Accepted Answer

Being licensed in Florida, I see many really great plans pop up every year largely due to the large population of Medicare beneficiaries in Florida. Plans vary not only state to state but also county to county so it is hard to say one state or another has the "best" policies for Medicare Advantage and Part D. Medicare supplements do not vary in their coverage, but they do vary in the premiums. Where you live determines the premiums and what plans are available to you.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on August 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

There's not one state that has a better Medicare plan. It depends on where you live — in a large metropolitan area or a rural area. It also depends on what Medicare plans are available in the area where you live. Original Medicare has no restrictions on access other than if the doctor accepts Medicare.

Answered by Gary Church on September 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

This is a good question, especially when discussing Medicare supplement or Medigap plans. The basic plan is the same across the United States. Plan G is a plan G and is controlled by Medicare.

Sure, carriers often include a few extra perks or riders with their plans. But nothing is free. They can’t regulate the plans, but can control their cost. Remember that basic plan G is the same across all carriers and states.

Nick Mangini · Answer

Medicare Supplement Plans offer the best coverage since it's 100% full coverage and you visit any doctor, specialist, hospital nationwide. Since Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized coverage by the federal government, it's the same coverage no matter what state you are in. Medicare Advantage plans are different since they offer difference coverage in different locations. This is because Medicare Advantage plans are designed to fully control the client and unfortunately the client does not understand that insurance companies are in the business to profit at the mercy of the client. I would choose a Supplement Plan over Advantage.

Answered by Nick Mangini on August 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 32 other states

Answered by Nick Mangini Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Jerome · Answer

I can only speak for Texas where I"m licensed. 
Supplement plans are less costly in the rural areas and Advantage plans are much richer in benefits in the larger urban areas.

Eddie Tune · Answer

There are both National and regional carriers. Their plans are based on the zip codes in which Medicare recipients live..... for comprehensive information regarding the choices each person has, you are encouraged to contact a broker who can help you with the choices you have.

Answered by Eddie Tune on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Eddie Tune Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Medicare is a federal program, so the policies are the same is all the states. If you are looking at more than original Medicare, the each state has varying policies. Such as Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. Also, Medicare Supplements are state controlled as to price.

So much of  the analysis boils down to the individuals situation.

Steven A James, MBA · Answer

One can't make a blanket statement as different companies offer varying plans nationwide.  Plans are available in various "service areas" or counties.  Generally, the more rural areas will have limited or no plans available.  Plans are generally available in more urban areas, as a viable network of hospitals/doctors is necessary to keep the plan viable.

And yes, plans offered in some service areas may have substantially more robust features and benefits.  Most folks are also captivated by ads promoting Dual plans with "unbelievable" features and benefits, but although this may be true, these are strictly for Medicare beneficiaries who also have Medicaid.

Regarding Medicare Supplement plans, these are standardized plans and are useful everywhere Medicare is accepted.  Although the plans are identical, Plan G is Plan G.  The only difference w/b the price, based upon the State of residence and the particular insurance company's pricing structure.

Steven A James, MBA
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Jason Vallejos · Answer

Medicare plans change by county to county. It's difficult to consider by State. However, the most dense populated counties are typically richer in options. For example, in California it would be Los Angeles County.

Answered by Jason Vallejos on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 17 other states

Answered by Jason Vallejos Medicare Insurance Agent

Rob Campbell · Answer

Medicare supplement policies are standardized nationwide for the most part. Medicare advantage policies can vary widely. Florida has a huge number of Medicare advantage plans available.

Carol Thompson · Answer

From my professional experience the State of Florida has the better Medicare plans if that is what you are asking. Medicare as a whole is federal but as for medicare policies & statutes, FL is of the better.

Answered by Carol Thompson on September 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

🏆 Top States Where Medicare Works Best
🧓 1. Vermont

Often ranked #1 overall for Medicare performance (access, quality, cost).

Beneficiaries usually experience good access to care and lower avoidable hospitalizations.

🩺 2. Utah

Strong across multiple Medicare performance indicators including access and affordability.

Lower cost burden for beneficiaries relative to many states.

❤️ 3. Minnesota

Top-tier performance for access, quality, and affordability.

High Medicare Advantage penetration and strong care networks.

🩹 4. Rhode Island

Frequently high on Medicare performance lists with good overall care metrics.

🩻 5. Colorado

Strong Medicare performance overall and a good mix of plan options.

Also ranks well for health outcomes and lower unnecessary hospital stays.

👴 6–10. Other States Often Near the Top

New Hampshire — good balance of care quality and access.

Maine & Delaware — strong health systems that benefit Medicare populations.

Hawaii — historically low Medicare spending per beneficiary and solid care value.

📊 What “Best” Means

These rankings factor in things such as:

✔️ Access to care — ability to see doctors, get preventive services, and avoid care gaps.
✔️ Quality of care — fewer avoidable hospitalizations and better outcomes.
✔️ Costs and affordability — how much beneficiaries pay out of pocket.
✔️ Health outcomes — overall health status of the senior population.

🧠 Medicare Advantage Specific Notes

If you’re especially focused on Medicare Advantage (Part C):

Florida, Michigan, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii have strong MA markets with high enrollment and lots of plan options.

Minnesota and Michigan also show high MA preference among beneficiaries.

And if you’re looking at plan ratings, multiple states (like Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and New Jersey) have 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available — which often signals better quality and satisfaction.

⚠️ What Doesn’t Define a “Best” State

Medicare itself doesn’t change

Claudia Englert · Answer

I really don’t know as I only write plans in Ohio that has many plan options but know some states like S Dakota have very few options.

Chauncey Bragg · Answer

That question has many different answers. The answer is going to depend on what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. There really is no straight forward answer to that question without more information.

Answered by Chauncey Bragg on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Chauncey Bragg Medicare Insurance Agent

Peggy Elliott · Answer

Since my license is with the state of Ohio, I am not  aware of other state’s plans.  However, CMS has strict guidelines that will support great coverage in all 50 states.

Ira Smith · Answer

Each state has its own regulations and variety of Medicare Advantage & supplement offerings. No one can properly evaluate them all, as we representatives only offer plans within our own licensed area. Within Oklahoma, I feel that Community Care of Oklahoma has better plans for those looking for Medicare Advantage Plans, since they seem to have the most inclusive network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals. For Dual Eligible individuals, United Healthcare offers better options. For Critical Care, Global offers better options. Any specifics you need, please contact me Ira Smith

Answered by Ira Smith on May 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in OK

Answered by Ira Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Mila Grayevsky · Answer

There isn’t one “best” state overall, but a few trends are clear. Big pictureIndependent scorecards rank states like Vermont, Utah, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Colorado, New Hampshire, Maine, and Hawaii near the top for overall Medicare quality and outcomes.

Answered by Mila Grayevsky on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY, FL, NC, NJ & TX

Answered by Mila Grayevsky Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenda Martin · Answer

When evaluating the best states for Medicare policies, consider factors like affordability, plan quality and availability. Here are some top states based on these criteria:

Top 5 States with High-Quality Medicare Plans:

•  Montana: 96.3% of Medicare Advantage plans are rated 4 stars or higher, with an average monthly premium of $46.36
•  Wyoming: 88.1% of plans are highly rated, with an average premium of $49.13
•  West Virginia: 79.7% of plans are highly rated, with an average premium of $17.77
•  Iowa: 77% of plans are highly rated, with an average premium of $10.07
•  South Dakota: 73.9% of plans are highly rated, with an average premium of $42.06

States with Affordable Medicare Plans:

•  Florida: Average monthly premium of $1.09
•  Texas: Average monthly premium of $4.99
•  Nevada: Average monthly premium of $3.09
•  Rhode Island: Average monthly premium of $4.56
•  Louisiana: Average monthly premium of $5.95

States with Low Out-of-Pocket Costs:

•  California: Average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit of $3,884.44
•  Florida: Average out-of-pocket spending limit of $4,043.15
•  Illinois: Average out-of-pocket spending limit of $4,926.67
•  Kansas: Average out-of-pocket spending limit of $5,190.25
•  Missouri: Average out-of-pocket spending limit of $5,256.31


Keep in mind that Medicare policies and costs can vary significantly depending on your location, even within states. It's essential to research and compare plans specific to your area to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Leonie Dawkins · Answer

There is no best state where Medicare is concern. The plan one chooses, depends on their needs. The plan you choose will be as close as possible to your needs. You will not get everything 100%.

Jessica Yen Le · Answer

I wish I could give you a one-size-fits-all answer, but the “best” state for Medicare really depends on your needs. For example, Pennsylvania and Florida offer lots of plan options, Texas, Nevada, and Rhode Island have lower premiums, and Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Rhode Island are known for strong healthcare quality. California also has some unique Medigap rules to be aware of. The only suggestion I can give to this question is the key is to find a plan that fits your situation, looking at options, costs, and quality of care that work best for you.
Jessica Yen Le

Which states have the best Medicare policies?

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