11 Best Health Insurance Plans for Seniors Over 70

Seven out of ten seniors turning 65 will need long-term care at some point, according to the Administration for Community Living. Senior care is expensive: assisted living runs about $66,126 a year, and nursing homes cost around $120,304 annually.

Medicare Part B premiums start at $185 a month, but the choices are complicated. You can pick Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicaid, which covers 7.2 million low-income seniors, plus various private insurance options.

This article compares major health insurance plans for seniors, covering what each option includes and what it costs so you can find a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
  • Coverage details
  • Costs and premiums
  • Enrollment process
• Medicare Advantage plans
  • Plan benefits
  • Provider networks
  • Prescription coverage
• Medigap supplemental plans
  • Plan types and coverage
  • Premium costs
  • Enrollment guidelines
• Medicare Part D drug plans
  • Coverage options
  • Costs and deductibles
  • Pharmacy networks
• Medicaid for seniors
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Coverage benefits
  • Dual Medicare-Medicaid options
• AARP Medicare plans
  • Plan options
  • Member benefits
  • Plan costs
• Blue Cross Blue Shield senior plans
  • Coverage options
  • Network size
  • Plan pricing
• Humana senior health plans
  • Plan types
  • Additional benefits
  • Cost structure
• UnitedHealthcare senior options
  • Plan varieties
  • Coverage details
  • Premiums
• Kaiser Permanente senior plans
  • Plan features
  • Provider network
  • Plan costs
• Cigna HealthSpring plans
  • Coverage options
  • Extra benefits
  • Premium structure
• Comparison table
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program for seniors. It has two parts: Part A covers hospital care, and Part B covers medical care.

Coverage details

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services. Part B covers outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive visits. It also includes ambulance services, clinical research participation, durable medical equipment, and mental health treatment.

Costs and premiums

If you paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you get Part A free in 2025. Otherwise, you'll pay between $285 and $518 a month.

Part B costs $185 monthly with a $257 annual deductible. After you meet the deductible, you pay 20% of what Medicare approves for covered services.

Hospital stays under Part A have a $1,676 deductible per benefit period in 2025. Your daily costs then depend on how long you stay:

• Days 1–60: $0 after deductible
• Days 61–90: $419 daily
• Days 91–150: $838 daily

Enrollment process

You can enroll in Medicare at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs for seven months—three months before your 65th birthday through three months after. If you get Social Security, Medicare Part A and B enroll you automatically.

If you miss the initial window, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31 each year). Special situations, like staying on your employer's health plan past 65, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare Advantage plans

Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) to over 34 million people as an alternative to Original Medicare. They bundle hospital and medical coverage into a single plan.

Plan benefits

Medicare Advantage covers all Part A and Part B services and often adds extras like:

• Dental exams and cleanings
• Vision care and eyeglasses
• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Fitness memberships
• Over-the-counter medication allowances

Provider networks

Medicare Advantage plans limit where you can go for non-emergency care. On average, they include 46% of the doctors in a county. They also tend to have limited specialist access—usually about 23% of available psychiatrists per county.

Prescription coverage

Most plans (92%) include prescription drug coverage built in, so you don't need a separate Part D plan. These combined plans use tiered drug lists that group medications by cost, making it easier to manage both medical and pharmacy expenses.

Out-of-pocket limits are capped at $9,350 in 2025. Premiums vary by network type: HMOs might charge $54 versus $4 monthly, while PPOs run $100 versus $28, depending on how broad the network is.

Medigap supplemental plans

Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private companies. It helps pay for the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like deductibles and coinsurance.

Plan types and coverage

Medigap plans are standardized and labeled A through N. Plan G is the most popular with 4.5 million members. The main differences:

• Plan G covers the Part A deductible and Part B excess charges
• Plan N covers most costs but includes specific copays
• Plans K and L cap yearly expenses at $7,220 and $3,610, with percentage-based cost sharing

Premium costs

Monthly premiums average $217, or about $2,604 a year. Insurance companies use three different pricing methods:

Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age. Issue-age-rated plans base costs on your age when you buy, and those rates stay locked in. Attained-age-rated plans increase your premium as you get older.

Enrollment guidelines

You have a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During this window, insurers can't deny you or charge more based on health problems.

If you apply outside this period, companies can reject you or raise rates for pre-existing conditions. In some situations—like losing coverage involuntarily—you get guaranteed issue rights.

Medicare Part D drug plans

Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurers and approved by Medicare. You can get it as a standalone plan with Original Medicare, or it comes built into Medicare Advantage plans.

Coverage options

Part D plans organize medications into five tiers based on cost:

• Tier 1: Lowest-cost generic drugs
• Tier 2: Moderate-cost generics or brand-name drugs
• Tier 3: Preferred brand-name medications
• Tier 4: Higher-cost non-preferred drugs
• Tier 5: Highest-cost specialty medications

Costs and deductibles

In 2025, the annual deductible is $590. You pay 25% of drug costs until you hit $2,000 in out-of-pocket spending. After that, catastrophic coverage kicks in and covers remaining costs for that year.

The national base premium is $36.78 monthly, though average premiums run $46.50. Higher-income beneficiaries pay additional charges called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts.

Pharmacy networks

Plans negotiate discounts at participating pharmacies. Using preferred in-network pharmacies saves $2 to $15 per generic prescription.

As of 2024, 97% of plans have preferred pharmacy networks, up from just 13% in 2011. Many plans offer mail-order options for three-month supplies delivered to your home.

Medicaid for seniors

Medicaid covers 7.2 million low-income seniors with health insurance and long-term care support. It's a joint federal-state program for elderly people who meet income and asset limits.

Eligibility requirements

For 2024, individual applicants must have less than $2,829 in monthly income and $2,000 in assets. You must also be:

• 65 or older
• A resident of the state where you apply
• A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

States review eligibility yearly and may ask for more information. Some states have expanded their programs to cover everyone below certain income thresholds.

Coverage benefits

Medicaid covers more mandatory services than Medicare:

• Doctor visits
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Lab and X-ray services
• Nursing home care
• Medication-assisted treatment

States can add optional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care. Medicaid funds most long-term care in the U.S.

Dual Medicare-Medicaid options

Twelve million people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. For these dual-eligible beneficiaries, Medicaid fills in Medicare's gaps by:

• Paying your Medicare premiums and cost-sharing
• Covering nursing care beyond Medicare's 100-day limit
• Extending nursing care past Medicare's 100-day limit

Medicare pays first for services both programs cover, then Medicaid covers up to state limits. You can choose between Original Medicare with Medicaid or a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) if available in your area.

AARP Medicare plans

AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare plans for seniors. These plans consistently rank well for comprehensive coverage.

Plan options

UnitedHealthcare manages three types of AARP plans. Medicare Supplement Insurance helps cover out-of-pocket costs beyond Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage options include $0 premiums for many preventive services. AARP Medicare Rx Plans provide standalone prescription drug coverage.

Member benefits

AARP plans include:

• $0 copays for dental, vision, and hearing exams
• Virtual medical and mental health visits with no copays
• Credits for over-the-counter medications
• Full dental services including cleanings, fillings, and dentures
• Vision care allowances
• Discounts on hearing aids from multiple brands

Plan costs

Costs depend on plan type and your location. AARP charges a $20 yearly membership fee for Medicare Supplement enrollment. UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage plans typically have $0 preventive care premiums.

AARP Medicare Supplement plans have a 94% annual renewal rate, giving members long-term stability. These plans guarantee lifetime coverage with no network restrictions or need for referrals. AARP receives royalty payments for use of its name, which support the organization's activities.

Plans are available in most U.S. states except Alaska and territories. UnitedHealthcare sets personalized rates based on your location and chosen coverage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield senior plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield operates as 33 independent regional companies forming the nation's largest health insurance network. Their senior plans reach all 50 states and D.C.

Coverage options

BCBS Medicare plans come in three types. Medicare Advantage options combine prescription drug coverage with wellness programs, adding dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Members typically pay $0 copays for most preventive services and lab work.

Network size

BCBS serves members through 1.7 million healthcare professionals, including:

• Over 90% of doctors in most states
• Every hospital in their service areas
• More than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide

Plan pricing

BCBS Medicare Advantage plans start at $18.50 monthly in 2024. Premiums vary by:

• Location and age
• Your coverage choice
• Tobacco use

Premiums adjust yearly based on changes in deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Some plans waive premiums and drug deductibles. BCBS also runs programs to help low-income seniors reduce prescription costs and close coverage gaps.

Humana senior health plans

Humana covers 5.8 million Medicare Advantage members and is a major senior health insurer with specialized coverage options.

Plan types

Humana offers four types of Medicare Advantage plans. HMO plans cover unlimited primary care within a set network. PPO plans let you visit any Medicare-approved doctor who accepts Humana. PFFS plans set the fees Humana pays providers. SNPs serve people with specific health conditions or dual Medicare-Medicaid eligibility.

Additional benefits

Plans include benefits beyond basic coverage:

• SilverSneakers fitness program access at 15,000 locations

• $25–$225 monthly allowance for groceries through Healthy Options
• 28 meals delivered after hospital stays through Well Dine
• $0 copays for in-network telehealth primary care
• Free medication reviews through Therapy Management

Cost structure

Once you hit your yearly out-of-pocket limit, Humana covers remaining costs at no charge. Insulin is capped at $35 monthly. Many areas offer $0 premium plans, though rates vary by location and coverage level. Starting in 2025, prescription drug costs max out at $2,000 yearly.

UnitedHealthcare senior options

UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage provider, serving seniors through more than 1 million healthcare providers.

Plan varieties

UnitedHealthcare offers four main Medicare plans. HMO plans work with local doctors and hospitals. PPO plans cover any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide. PFFS plans have no network limits. SNPs focus on specific health conditions and dual-eligible members.

Coverage details

UnitedHealthcare's 2025 plans include:

• $0 yearly physicals, lab work, and preventive care
• $0 copays for dental, vision, and hearing exams
• $0 virtual medical and mental health visits
• Many Medicare Advantage plans add over-the-counter credits and grocery allowances to help you cover everyday health needs beyond doctor visits. These extras can reduce your out-of-pocket spending and help improve your quality of life.
• Rewards for physical activity and wellness visits

The network covers 96% of Medicare-eligible people nationwide. Members can access doctors at home or while traveling.

Premiums

Premiums depend on location and plan type. Preventive care often comes with $0 premiums. The 2025 formulary emphasizes tier 1 prescription coverage compared to national averages. Members using Optum Home Delivery Pharmacy get tier 1 and 2 medications for $0.

UnitedHealthcare added magstripe technology to its UCard in 2025 for simpler benefit access. Provider search features are improving. HMO and PPO members get broad prescription coverage, with generic drugs staying in tier 1.

Kaiser Permanente senior plans

Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health provider offering Medicare Advantage plans that earn high Medicare ratings.

Plan features

Medicare gave Kaiser Permanente plans 4.5 Stars for 2025 in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Colorado, Washington, and Oregon plans received 4 Stars. You get:

• $0 preventive care copays and prescription copays
• Drug coverage without separate hospital or medical deductibles
• Optional dental, hearing, and vision coverage through Advantage Plus
• Fitness programs at partner facilities

Provider network

Kaiser runs coordinated care networks across nine states:

• Mid-Atlantic region
• Washington state
• California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia

Members pick a coordinated care doctor from the network. Most locations offer virtual visits, lab work, and prescriptions all in one place.

Plan costs

Kaiser offers $0 premium plans to 47% of Medicare Advantage members in 2025. Plans with premiums average $82.85 monthly.

Value DC (HMO-POS) plan:

• $0 monthly premium
• $5 primary care visits
• $40 specialist visits
• $6,900 yearly out-of-pocket maximum

Standard DC (HMO-POS) plan:

• $30 monthly premium
• $5 primary care visits
• $35 specialist visits
• $6,900 yearly out-of-pocket maximum

Out-of-pocket maximums range from $999 to $8,050 across all Kaiser plans.

Cigna HealthSpring plans

Cigna Healthcare offers Medicare coverage nationwide through an extensive provider network.

Coverage options

Cigna has three main Part D (prescription drug) plans. Saver Rx has no or low monthly premiums for generic medications. Assurance Rx is designed for people receiving Extra Help, with moderate premiums and low copays. Extra Rx offers full coverage through a broad pharmacy network.

Extra benefits

Plans include features beyond standard coverage:

• Silver&Fit fitness program and home workout kits
• Customized caregiver support resources
• Post-hospital meal delivery
• 24/7/365 virtual care access
• Pharmacist medication management
• LASIK and acupuncture discounts

Premium structure

Members can choose monthly, quarterly, or yearly payment schedules. Options include:

Electronic Funds Transfer with draft dates from the 1st to 28th of the month. You can also pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Personal checks are accepted, but cash and traveler's checks are not.

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan spreads costs over the year if you expect to spend more than $2,000 on drugs. MyCigna provides online access to coverage details, prescriptions, payments, and ID cards.

The drug list includes 3,000 common Medicare medications. Preferred pharmacy networks offer discounts through national and regional coverage. This approach balances access and affordability.

Comparison table

Insurance Plan

Basic coverage/Plan types

Additional benefits

Provider network

Monthly premium range

Notable features

Original Medicare

Part A (Hospital) & Part B (Medical)

Limited to medical and hospital coverage

Any Medicare-accepting provider

$185 (Part B)

$257 annual Part B deductible; 20% coinsurance

Medicare Advantage

Part A & B combined

Dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs

Network-based (46% of county physicians)

$4–$100

92% include prescription drug coverage

Medigap

Plans A through N

Fills Medicare coverage gaps

Any Medicare provider

$217 average

Plan G leads with 4.5M enrollees

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage

Tiered medication coverage

Pharmacy networks

$36.78–$46.50

$590 annual deductible cap

Medicaid

Comprehensive health coverage

Long-term care support

State-specific networks

N/A (income-based)

Income limit $2,829/month

AARP Medicare

Medicare Advantage & Supplement plans

$0 copays for dental, vision, hearing

Through UnitedHealthcare

$0 for many preventive services

$20 yearly AARP membership required

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Medicare Advantage & Supplement plans

Dental, vision, hearing coverage

1.7M healthcare professionals

Starting at $18.50

Largest provider network nationwide

Humana

HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP plans

SilverSneakers, meal program

Not specified

$0 in many areas

$25–$225 monthly healthy options allowance

UnitedHealthcare

HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP plans

$0 virtual visits, OTC credits

1M+ providers

$0 for many preventive services

Reaches 96% of Medicare-eligible individuals

Kaiser Permanente

Medicare Advantage plans

$0 preventive care, integrated Rx

9 states coverage

$0–$82.85

4.5/5 Star Medicare rating in multiple states

Cigna HealthSpring

Three prescription drug plans

Silver&Fit, caregiver support

Not specified

Varies by plan

24/7/365 virtual care access

Conclusion

Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision benefits that Original Medicare doesn't, though they limit your doctor choices. Plan G is the most popular Medigap option for managing out-of-pocket costs with standardized coverage.

Major insurers—UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana—operate broad provider networks and add fitness programs and prescription coverage. Kaiser Permanente has strong Medicare ratings despite serving only nine states. Low-income seniors can get comprehensive coverage through state Medicaid programs.

Monthly premiums range from $0 for preventive services to over $200 for comprehensive plans. Your choice depends on what healthcare you typically use, which doctors you prefer, and what medications you take. Your location, health status, and budget also matter when picking a plan.

Open enrollment happens yearly, so you can reassess your coverage as your needs change. The Medicare market keeps expanding with more specialized options for seniors.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best health insurance option for seniors over 65? Medicare is the standard choice for people 65 and older. Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers medical services. Many seniors add Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans for more comprehensive coverage.

Q2. How can seniors find affordable health insurance before age 65? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace often offers the lowest costs for people under 65. If you adjust your income, you might qualify for premium subsidies. You could also look at COBRA coverage from a former employer or part-time work that includes health benefits.

Q3. What are Medicare Advantage plans and how do they differ from Original Medicare? Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare. They combine Parts A, B, and often D coverage, plus extras like dental and vision. The trade-off is that you typically use doctors and hospitals within their network.

Q4. How do Medigap supplemental plans work with Medicare? Medigap plans fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. They pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Medicare doesn't cover. There are standardized Medigap plans (A through N) with different coverage levels to fit different needs and budgets.

When choosing a plan, consider your typical healthcare use, preferred doctors and hospitals, prescription medications, and your budget. Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap options based on coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and provider availability. A licensed insurance broker can help you make the right choice for your situation.