I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Maryland and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Maryland for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Maryland Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Maryland
Whether you live in a major Maryland metro or a small town, we work with Maryland residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Maryland's major regions include: Baltimore Metro, Washington DC Suburbs (Montgomery/Prince George's), Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, Southern Maryland.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Maryland. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Maryland's Medicare market: what you need to know
Maryland has one of the lower Medicare Advantage penetration rates in the country. Original Medicare with Medigap is more common here than in most states. Maryland also has the unique 31-day birthday rule, letting you switch Medigap once a year without medical underwriting.
Snowbird and travel note: Many Maryland retirees winter in Florida or the Carolinas. Original Medicare plus Medigap is the most portable choice.
Maryland's birthday rule (31 days starting on your birthday) lets you switch Medigap carriers without health questions once per year. This is a valuable protection. Maryland also has community-rated Medigap pricing in some markets, which means rates don't go up just because you age.
Top Medicare carriers in Maryland
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Maryland
- Kaiser Permanente
- UnitedHealthcare
- CareFirst
- Humana
- Aetna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Maryland
- CareFirst Blue Cross
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Aetna
- Cigna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Maryland (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
Maryland's Medigap birthday rule
Maryland has a Medigap birthday rule. 31-day window starting on your birthday. This lets you switch your Medicare Supplement plan once a year around your birthday without medical underwriting.
This is a major advantage. In most states, switching Medigap after your initial 6-month enrollment window requires answering health questions. With Maryland's birthday rule, you can shop your Medigap every year and switch to a cheaper plan with the same benefits, even if your health has changed.
Learn more in our state-by-state birthday rule guide.
How much does Medicare cost in Maryland?
Medicare costs in Maryland for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Maryland residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $155-220/month for Plan G in Maryland
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Maryland resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for Maryland residents
- SHIP (Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program) (SHIP): 1-800-243-3425 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Maryland Medicaid: 1-800-492-5231 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Maryland: aging.maryland.gov
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Maryland zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your Maryland situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Maryland residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Maryland zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for Maryland Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Maryland clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Maryland: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Maryland: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for Maryland residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Maryland residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
Maryland Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Maryland?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Maryland residents pay an average of $155-220/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Maryland typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Maryland?
Maryland has 20-30 plans in metro counties in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 26% of Maryland Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Maryland?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Maryland are Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, CareFirst, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include CareFirst Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Maryland?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Maryland?
Maryland residents can call SHIP (Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-800-243-3425 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-800-492-5231. Visit aging.maryland.gov for more state aging resources.
