I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Pennsylvania and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Pennsylvania for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Pennsylvania Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Pennsylvania
Whether you live in a major Pennsylvania metro or a small town, we work with Pennsylvania residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Pennsylvania's major regions include: Greater Philadelphia, Greater Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Capital Region (Harrisburg), Northeast PA, Northwest PA.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Pennsylvania. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Pennsylvania's Medicare market: what you need to know
Pennsylvania uses community-rated Medigap pricing in many markets, which means premiums don't go up just because you age. This is unique and valuable. UPMC and Highmark dominate the regional Medicare Advantage market.
Snowbird and travel note: Many PA retirees winter in Florida. Pennsylvania has strong winter weather, so multi-state planning often matters.
APPRISE is the state's free Medicare counseling program and operates through Area Agencies on Aging. Pennsylvania has PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) and PACENET programs that help low-income seniors with prescription costs beyond federal Extra Help.
Top Medicare carriers in Pennsylvania
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Pennsylvania
- UPMC
- Highmark
- Aetna
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Pennsylvania
- Highmark Blue Cross
- Independence Blue Cross
- Mutual of Omaha
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Pennsylvania (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.
Pennsylvania Medigap rules
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Medicare costs in Pennsylvania for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Pennsylvania 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 $135-180/month for Plan G in Pennsylvania
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania residents
- APPRISE (SHIP): 1-800-783-7067 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Pennsylvania Medicaid: 1-800-692-7462 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Pennsylvania: aging.pa.gov
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Pennsylvania residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Pennsylvania clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Pennsylvania: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Pennsylvania: 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 Pennsylvania residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Pennsylvania?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Pennsylvania residents pay an average of $135-180/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 40-50 plans in metro areas in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 53% of Pennsylvania Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Pennsylvania?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Pennsylvania are UPMC, Highmark, Aetna, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Highmark Blue Cross, Independence Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania residents can call APPRISE at 1-800-783-7067 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-800-692-7462. Visit aging.pa.gov for more state aging resources.
