I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Michigan and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Michigan for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Michigan Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Michigan
Whether you live in a major Michigan metro or a small town, we work with Michigan residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Michigan's major regions include: Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids Metro, Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula, Mid-Michigan (Lansing-Flint).
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Michigan. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Michigan's Medicare market: what you need to know
Michigan has high Medicare Advantage penetration, with strong regional carriers like Priority Health and BCBS of Michigan. The state's auto industry retiree population creates a complex landscape of employer-sponsored retiree health benefits coordinating with Medicare.
Snowbird and travel note: Michigan winters drive many retirees south for the cold months. Original Medicare with Medigap is usually the cleanest setup for snowbirds.
MMAP is run through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Area Agencies on Aging. Michigan also has the MIChild and HMP programs for low-income residents, with overlap to Medicare Savings Programs.
Top Medicare carriers in Michigan
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Michigan
- Priority Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Michigan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Cigna
- Aetna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Michigan (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.
Michigan Medigap rules
Michigan does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in Michigan?
Medicare costs in Michigan for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Michigan 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 $140-190/month for Plan G in Michigan
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Michigan 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 Michigan residents
- MMAP (Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program) (SHIP): 1-800-803-7174 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Michigan Medicaid: 1-800-642-3195 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Michigan: michigan.gov/osa
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Michigan 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 Michigan situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Michigan residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Michigan 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 Michigan Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Michigan clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Michigan: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Michigan: 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 Michigan residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Michigan 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
Michigan Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Michigan?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Michigan residents pay an average of $140-190/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Michigan 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 Michigan?
Michigan has 35-45 plans in metro counties in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 58% of Michigan Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Michigan?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Michigan are Priority Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Humana, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Michigan residents can call MMAP (Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program) at 1-800-803-7174 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-800-642-3195. Visit michigan.gov/osa for more state aging resources.
