How to Compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement Plans and Choose the Right Coverage for 2027

Choosing Medicare coverage can be confusing in any year, but 2027 is an especially important year for Michigan Medicare beneficiaries to review their options.

Michigan has more than 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries. For 2027, 181 Medicare Advantage plans are available across Michigan, compared with 192 in 2026. The average Michigan Medicare Advantage premium is increasing from $14.88 per month in 2026 to $16.21 in 2027, although every Michigan Medicare beneficiary continues to have access to at least one $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan. Michigan also has 11 stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans available for 2027. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Those statewide numbers tell only part of the story. Medicare Advantage is local. A plan available in Grand Rapids may not be available in Traverse City, Detroit, Marquette, or another Michigan community. Provider networks, prescriptions, pharmacies, copays, and supplemental benefits can also vary substantially from one plan to another.

This guide is designed to help Michigan residents understand those differences and make a more informed Medicare decision for 2027.

Michigan's Medicare Advantage Market Is Changing

Significant movement is happening beneath Michigan's statewide plan count.

An analysis of CMS's September 2026 landscape and enrollment files found that 55 plans offered somewhere in Michigan during 2026 are leaving at least one Michigan county for 2027. Of those, 36 are no longer offered anywhere in Michigan, and 19 continue in Michigan but leave certain counties. Every one of Michigan's 83 counties loses at least one existing plan.

Based on September 2026 enrollment, about 136,320 Michigan members were enrolled in plans leaving the counties where they live. The actual figure is slightly higher because CMS suppresses very small enrollment counts. At the same time, 59 plans are entering at least one Michigan county where they weren't offered in 2026. Advantage Index

That doesn't mean Medicare Advantage is disappearing from Michigan. Far from it. CMS reports that 100% of Michigan Medicare beneficiaries have access to Medicare Advantage in 2027, including at least one $0-premium option. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

That means 2027 isn't a good year to assume your 2026 coverage will remain your best option.

Michigan 2027 Plan Terminations and Service Area Reductions

This deserves a prominent callout.

Based on a county-by-county analysis of CMS's September 2026 landscape and enrollment files:

55 existing Michigan plans leave at least one county for 2027.

36 of those plans disappear entirely from Michigan.

19 continue but withdraw from some Michigan counties.

All 83 Michigan counties lose at least one plan.

And approximately 136,320 existing members were enrolled in affected plans in the counties those plans are leaving. Advantage Index

At the same time, 59 plans enter at least one Michigan county where they weren't available in 2026. Advantage Index

Medicare Advantage Plans Ending in Michigan for 2027

The following Medicare Advantage plans offered in Michigan in 2026 are ending in the listed Michigan counties for 2027. Members enrolled in an affected plan should carefully review their 2027 Medicare coverage options.

Insurance Company	Plan	Plan ID	Michigan Counties It Leaves	Members Affected
UnitedHealthcare	UHC Dual Complete MI-Y1 (HMO D-SNP)	H2247-005	Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Macomb, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Wayne	17,610
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Key (HMO-POS)	H2320-022	Alcona, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta	12,765
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Vital (PPO)	H4875-022	Allegan, Barry, Kent, Lenawee, Ottawa	10,163
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Vital (PPO)	H4875-022	Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Ionia, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Mason, Midland, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo + 6 more counties	8,093
Humana	Humana Full Access H7617-055 (PPO)	H7617-055	Macomb, Oakland, Wayne	7,640
Humana	Humana Full Access H5216-287 (PPO)	H5216-287	Macomb, Oakland, Wayne	6,985
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Key (HMO-POS)	H2320-022	Alpena, Cheboygan, Emmet, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Sanilac	6,737
Humana	Humana USAA Honor Giveback with Rx (PPO)	H5216-305	Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch + 71 more counties	5,554
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Vital (PPO)	H4875-022	Arenac, Bay, Branch, Clinton, Genesee, Huron, Ingham, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Ogemaw, Saginaw + 3 more counties	5,366
Humana	Humana USAA Honor Giveback with Rx (PPO)	H7617-071	Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Cass + 61 more counties	3,631
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Vintage (HMO-POS)	H2320-031	Allegan, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Genesee, Huron, Ingham + 26 more counties	3,390
Wellcare	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)	H2117-001	Allegan, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot + 36 more counties	2,853
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Thrive Plus (PPO)	H4875-018	Alcona, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta	2,058
Paramount Elite Medicare Plans	Paramount Elite Standard (HMO-POS)	H3653-015	Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw	1,181
Priority Health Medicare	PriorityMedicare Thrive Plus (PPO)	H4875-018	Alpena, Cheboygan, Emmet, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Sanilac	1,039
Wellcare	Wellcare Dual Access Open (PPO D-SNP)	H2117-002	Allegan, Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Jackson, Kent, Lake, Lapeer + 16 more counties	1,005
Wellcare	Wellcare Patriot Giveback Open (PPO)	H2117-003	Allegan, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot + 36 more counties	821
Paramount Elite Medicare Plans	Paramount Elite Enhanced (HMO-POS)	H3653-004	Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw	731
Paramount Elite Medicare Plans	Paramount Elite Prime (HMO-POS)	H3653-022	Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw	560
Humana	Humana Gold Plus H8908-001 (HMO-POS)	H8908-001	Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne	535
Aetna Medicare	Aetna Medicare Prime Care (HMO-POS)	H3192-021	Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Wayne	427
Humana	Humana Gold Plus Chronic Kidney Disease (HMO C-SNP)	H8908-006	Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne	356
Paramount Elite Medicare Plans	Paramount Elite Preferred (PPO)	H5232-001	Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw	346
Blue Care Network	BCN Advantage Elements (HMO-POS)	H5883-001	Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne	314
Blue Care Network	BCN Advantage Elements (HMO-POS)	H5883-001	Antrim, Benzie, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Isabella, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston + 8 more counties	253
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Signature (HMO-POS)	H5652-001	Oakland	219
Blue Care Network	BCN Advantage Elements (HMO-POS)	H5883-001	Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa	199
Blue Care Network	BCN Advantage Elements (HMO-POS)	H5883-001	Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Huron, Iosco, Kalkaska + 12 more counties	180
Blue Care Network	BCN Advantage Elements (HMO-POS)	H5883-001	Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Monroe, Montcalm, St. Joseph, Van Buren	169
Aetna Medicare	Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO)	H5521-607	Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent + 17 more counties	49
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Liberty (HMO-POS)	H5652-008	Oakland	47
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Champion (HMO-POS C-SNP)	H5652-004	Oakland	20
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Freedom (HMO-POS)	H5652-006	Oakland	16
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Liberty no Rx (HMO-POS)	H5652-002	Oakland	11
UnitedHealthcare	Erickson Advantage Guardian (HMO-POS I-SNP)	H5652-003	Oakland	Fewer than 11
Wellcare	Wellcare Dual Reserve (HMO-POS D-SNP)	H5475-039	Allegan, Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Jackson, Kent, Lake, Lapeer + 16 more counties	Fewer than 11 in each

Source: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage landscape data and September 2026 enrollment data, compiled by Advantage Index. CMS suppresses county enrollment counts of 10 or fewer.

2027 Michigan Medicare Carrier List

2027 Michigan MA carrier lineup includes:

Aetna Medicare
Align Senior Care
Blue Care Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Devoted Health — new to Michigan for 2027
HAP Medicare / Health Alliance Plan
Humana
Longevity Health Plan
McLaren Medicare
Meridian / Wellcare
Molina Healthcare of Michigan
Priority Health Medicare
Trinity Health Plan of Michigan
UnitedHealthcare
Zing Health

2027 Michigan PDP carrier lineup includes:

Aetna / SilverScript
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
HealthSpring
Humana
UnitedHealthcare / AARP
Wellcare

2027 Michigan Medicare Supplement carrier lineup includes:

AARP / UnitedHealthcare
Aflac
American Benefit Life Insurance Company
Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Continental Life Insurance Company / Aetna
Everence Association
GPM Health and Life Insurance Company
Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company (GTL)
Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP)
HealthSpring National Health Insurance Company
Humana
Humana Achieve
Insurance Company of North America / Chubb
Lumos Insurance Company
McLaren Health Plan
Medico Life and Health Insurance Company / Wellabe
MedMutual Protect
Omaha Supplemental Insurance Company / Mutual of Omaha
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
Priority Health
United American Insurance Company
USAA Life Insurance Company
WoodmenLife
WPS / A Health Solutions Company

Before Comparing Plans, Build Your Medicare Checklist

Before you look at premiums or extra benefits, gather the information that actually determines how well a plan works for you.

Have your doctors and specialists, preferred hospitals and health systems, prescriptions including dosage and frequency, and preferred pharmacies available when you compare plans.

Then consider your expected healthcare needs for the coming year.

Do you expect surgery? Are you receiving injections or infusions? Do you regularly see specialists? Do you have an expensive prescription? Are you undergoing cancer treatment? Do you travel extensively? Are you a snowbird?

The cheapest-looking plan isn't necessarily the plan that will cost you the least.

Start With Your Annual Notice of Change

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, one of the most important documents you'll receive is your Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC.

Your ANOC explains how your current plan is changing for the upcoming year.

Don't simply look at the first page and throw it away.

Compare the 2027 information with what you have in 2026, paying particular attention to changes in your monthly premium, medical deductible, drug deductible, maximum out-of-pocket limit, hospital copays, specialist copays, prescription formulary, drug costs, pharmacy network and supplemental benefits.

Also watch for changes involving dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, transportation, fitness benefits and other benefits you regularly use.

A plan that worked extremely well for you in 2026 could still be your best choice for 2027. The purpose of reviewing your ANOC isn't necessarily to change plans. It's to make an informed decision to stay rather than automatically renewing.

Understanding Your Three Main Medicare Coverage Components

Original Medicare

Original Medicare consists primarily of Part A and Part B.

Part A generally covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and certain home healthcare services.

Part B generally covers physician services, outpatient services, durable medical equipment, preventive care and many other medically necessary services.

Original Medicare generally allows you to see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, without the provider-network structure typically associated with Medicare Advantage. Medicare

However, Original Medicare doesn't cover all of your healthcare expenses and doesn't include routine outpatient prescription drug coverage. Many beneficiaries therefore add a Medicare Supplement and stand-alone Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is an alternative way of receiving your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.

Most Michigan Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage. Plans may additionally include benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances and fitness programs.

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans generally use provider networks and plan-specific cost sharing.

You normally continue paying your Medicare Part B premium in addition to any Medicare Advantage premium.

Medicare Part D

Part D provides outpatient prescription drug coverage.

You can receive Part D through a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan, or PDP, alongside Original Medicare, or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage, commonly called an MA-PD.

Michigan has 11 stand-alone PDPs for 2027. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Understanding Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings

Medicare Advantage Star Ratings are a useful tool for comparing the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. CMS rates plans on a 1-to-5-star scale, with higher ratings reflecting stronger performance across measures such as preventive care, management of chronic conditions, member experience, customer service, and prescription drug services. Star Ratings can be helpful when comparing plans, but they should be considered alongside other important factors such as your doctors and hospitals, prescription coverage, out-of-pocket costs, premiums, and additional benefits. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Important for 2027: As of October 5, 2026, CMS has not yet publicly released the final 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings. CMS states that data released before the final Star Ratings in October are preliminary and subject to change. Until the 2027 ratings are published, any Star Ratings displayed for plans may reflect the prior rating year rather than the final 2027 ratings. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

This is especially important when reviewing 2027 plans during the weeks leading up to Medicare Open Enrollment, which begins October 15.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

Premium gets a lot of attention, but it is only one number.

A $0-premium plan can still have thousands of dollars of potential medical cost sharing.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket — MOOP

The maximum out-of-pocket, or MOOP, is the maximum amount you're responsible for paying during the year for covered Part A and Part B services under the applicable limit.

Once you reach the plan's applicable MOOP, the plan generally pays 100% of covered Medicare Part A and B services for the remainder of the year.

Prescription drug spending generally does not count toward the Medicare Advantage medical MOOP because Part D has its own cost structure.

Deductible

A deductible is an amount you may have to pay before the plan begins paying its share for certain services.

A plan can have separate medical and prescription drug deductibles.

Copayment

A copay is a fixed dollar amount.

For example, your plan might charge a set amount for a specialist visit or emergency room visit.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is a percentage rather than a fixed dollar amount.

If a service has 20% coinsurance, your cost depends on the allowed cost of that service.

This is especially important with expensive services such as chemotherapy, Part B drugs, durable medical equipment and certain outpatient procedures.

Are Your Doctors and Hospitals in Network?

For many people, this should be one of the first questions asked.

Don't check only your primary care physician.

Check your specialists, preferred hospital, outpatient facilities and other providers you regularly use.

And verify them for 2027. Don't assume that a provider participating in 2026 will remain in the network.

HMO vs. PPO vs. HMO-POS

Plan TypeHMOPPOHMO-POSProvider networkYesYesYesOut-of-network coverageGenerally limitedGenerally available at higher costAvailable for certain servicesPCP requirementsMay applyUsually more flexibleVariesReferralsMay applyOften not requiredVariesBest forMembers comfortable staying in networkMembers wanting more provider flexibilityMembers wanting HMO structure with limited OON flexibility

Emergency and urgently needed care have special protections regardless of plan type.

For a snowbird, the difference between these structures can be particularly important.

Are You a Michigan Snowbird?

If you spend part of the year in Florida, Arizona, Texas or another state, don't assume that every Medicare Advantage plan will work the same way away from Michigan.

Ask how routine care works outside the service area.

A PPO may provide out-of-network benefits, but that doesn't necessarily mean every out-of-state provider will accept the plan or that your cost sharing will be the same.

Original Medicare plus a standardized Medicare Supplement can be particularly attractive to frequent travelers because Original Medicare generally lets you use providers nationwide that accept Medicare. Medicare

Travel patterns should therefore be part of the Medicare decision, not an afterthought.

How Medicare Part D Works

Prescription drug coverage deserves its own comparison.

Don't ask only:

"Is my drug covered?"

Ask how it's covered.

Part D plans use formularies and tiers to determine coverage and cost sharing. A medication may be covered by two plans but cost dramatically different amounts.

Plans may also use utilization-management requirements.

Prior Authorization

The plan may require your prescriber to provide information showing that the medication meets its coverage criteria before the plan pays for it.

Quantity Limits

A plan may limit the amount of medication it will cover during a particular period.

Step Therapy

The plan may require you to try another covered medication first before it covers a more expensive or different medication.

This is why prescription comparison should include drug name, dosage, quantity and frequency, not merely a list of drug names.

Pharmacies Matter Too

A prescription can have different costs depending on where you fill it.

Check whether your preferred pharmacy is in the plan's network and whether it is a preferred pharmacy.

Also ask whether you're willing to use mail order.

For medications you take regularly, mail order or a preferred retail pharmacy may offer additional savings depending on the plan.

GLP-1 Coverage Is Especially Important in 2027

This is a major development for the 2027 guide.

The temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge runs through December 31, 2027. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage may receive certain GLP-1 medications used for qualifying weight-management purposes for a $50 monthly copay. Eligibility depends on specific clinical criteria and requires prior authorization. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The program currently includes certain formulations of Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo. The Bridge is separate from the normal Part D benefit, so its $50 copay doesn't count toward Part D true out-of-pocket spending. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

GLP-1s prescribed for Medicare-coverable indications such as Type 2 diabetes and certain other approved indications are handled through Part D rather than the Bridge. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

If you use a GLP-1, don't select a 2027 plan until you've determined how your specific medication and indication will be handled.

Don't Ignore Additional Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental benefits including dental, vision, hearing, OTC benefits, fitness memberships, transportation and, for qualifying members/plans, certain food or grocery benefits.

These can be valuable.

But don't let a benefit card determine your entire Medicare decision.

A generous dental allowance doesn't compensate for losing access to an important oncologist or facing significantly higher costs for a medication.

Evaluate the medical coverage first, prescription coverage second, and then determine the value of the additional benefits you will actually use.

Should You Consider a Special Needs Plan?

Medicare Special Needs Plans, or SNPs, are Medicare Advantage plans designed for specific populations.

There are three primary types. Medicare

D-SNP are designed for people eligible for both Medicare and MedicaidC-SNPPeople with qualifying severe or disabling chronic conditionsI-SNPPeople living in, or meeting qualifying institutional levels of care

C-SNP eligibility can include qualifying conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, ESRD and certain cardiovascular, neurological and other chronic conditions. Medicare

Michigan's dual-eligible market is also changing substantially. MI Coordinated Health expands statewide in 2027, creating additional coordinated Medicare-Medicaid choices for eligible Michigan residents. Michigan.gov

If you qualify for an SNP, compare it with regular Medicare Advantage plans rather than automatically assuming either option is better.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement + Part D

This may be the most important decision in the guide.

A key distinction is that Medicare Supplement plans don't have provider networks in the same sense as Medicare Advantage. Your medical services are being processed through Original Medicare. Providers generally need to accept Medicare.

Medigap policies are standardized. In Michigan, a Plan G from one insurer provides the same standardized basic Plan G benefits as Plan G from another insurer. Medicare states that policies with the same letter provide the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance company selling them. Medicare

That doesn't mean every Medigap carrier is equal.

When comparing insurers, consider premium, financial strength, length of time in the market, customer service, historical rate increases, household discounts, and the block's experience.

Loss ratio can also be useful context. A very high loss ratio may indicate that claims are consuming a large share of premium revenue and can be one factor to consider when evaluating the potential for future rate pressure. It isn't, by itself, a prediction of the next rate increase.

And remember: after your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may have to qualify medically to purchase or change Medigap coverage unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or another applicable protection. Medicare

Medicare Supplement Benefit	A	B	C*	D	F*	G	K	L	M	N
Part A Hospital Coinsurance	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Part B Coinsurance / Copayments	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%	100%**
First 3 Pints of Blood	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%	100%
Part A Hospice Coinsurance	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%	100%
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance	—	—	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%	100%
Part A Deductible	—	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	50%	100%
Part B Deductible	—	—	100%	—	100%	—	—	—	—	—
Part B Excess Charges	—	—	—	—	100%	100%	—	—	—	—
Foreign Travel Emergency	—	—	80%	80%	80%	80%	—	—	80%	80%
2026 Out-of-Pocket Limit	—	—	—	—	—	—	$8,000	$4,000	—	—

* Plans C and F: Not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

** Plan N: Covers Part B coinsurance, except for copayments of up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in inpatient admission.

High-Deductible Plans: Plans F and G also have high-deductible versions available in some states. The 2026 deductible is $2,950.

Note: Coverage percentages represent the portion of applicable Medicare cost-sharing covered by the supplement. Availability varies by state and insurance company. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap plans differently.

Source: Medicare.gov — Compare Medigap Plan Benefits

Original Medicare Costs for 2027

CMS has not yet released the final 2027 Part A and Part B beneficiary cost-sharing amounts as of October 4, 2026.

2027 Medicare Part A & Part B Costs: Update Pending

CMS has not yet announced the final 2027 Part B premium, Part B deductible, Part A hospital deductible and associated Original Medicare coinsurance amounts. Platinum Benefit Advisors will update this guide when CMS releases the official figures.

For context only, the 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month and the Part B deductible is $283. The 2026 Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Income Matters: IRMAA and Extra Help

Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries can pay an additional amount for Part B and Part D called an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA.

IRMAA generally uses your modified adjusted gross income from the tax return supplied to Social Security, typically from two years earlier.

For 2027 premiums, that generally means 2025 income.

Because CMS has not yet released the final 2027 Part B premium/IRMAA amounts, I would reserve the chart now:

2027 IRMAA Filing Status / IncomePart B CostPart D IRMAAStandard premium bracketPending CMS releasePendingIRMAA Tier 1PendingPendingIRMAA Tier 2PendingPendingIRMAA Tier 3PendingPendingIRMAA Tier 4PendingPendingIRMAA Tier 5PendingPending

Update this table with CMS figures before labeling it final.

At the other end of the income spectrum, beneficiaries with limited income and resources may qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as Extra Help, which can substantially reduce Part D costs.

Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs should also be investigated where appropriate.

Individual MAGI	Married Filing Jointly MAGI	Part B IRMAA	Total Part B Premium	Part D IRMAA
$109,000 or less	$218,000 or less	$0.00	$202.90	$0.00
$109,001 – $137,000	$218,001 – $274,000	$81.20	$284.10	$14.50
$137,001 – $171,000	$274,001 – $342,000	$202.90	$405.80	$37.50
$171,001 – $205,000	$342,001 – $410,000	$324.60	$527.50	$60.40
$205,001 – $499,999	$410,001 – $749,999	$446.30	$649.20	$83.30
$500,000 or more	$750,000 or more	$487.00	$689.90	$91.00

MAGI: Modified Adjusted Gross Income.

Part B: The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026. Higher-income beneficiaries pay the standard premium plus an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Part D: The Part D IRMAA amount shown above is paid in addition to the monthly premium charged by the beneficiary's Medicare prescription drug plan.

Important: Medicare generally determines IRMAA using income reported on your federal tax return from two years prior. Different income thresholds apply to certain beneficiaries who are married, lived with their spouse during the tax year, and file separate tax returns.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — 2026 Medicare Premiums and IRMAA

Coordinate Medicare With Other Coverage

Don't make a Medicare decision in isolation if you have other insurance.

This is particularly important for beneficiaries with VA benefits, TRICARE, Medicaid, employer coverage, retiree coverage, or union coverage.

VA coverage, for example, can be extremely valuable, but VA benefits and Medicare are separate systems. Your Medicare coverage decision can affect where you receive non-VA care.

Likewise, don't cancel employer or retiree coverage until you understand whether you can get it back.

What Medicare Doesn't Cover

Even excellent Medicare coverage doesn't cover every potential expense.

One of the biggest gaps is long-term custodial care.

Medicare may cover qualifying skilled nursing and home healthcare under specific conditions, but it generally doesn't pay for ongoing custodial long-term care simply because someone needs assistance with activities of daily living.

That distinction can become financially significant.

Should You Add Ancillary Insurance?

Ancillary coverage can sometimes fill gaps that remain after selecting Medicare coverage.

Hospital indemnity insurance can provide cash benefits associated with qualifying hospital stays and other covered services, which can help offset Medicare Advantage hospital copays.

Cancer insurance can provide benefits following a covered cancer diagnosis or treatment and may help with expenses beyond direct medical bills.

Critical illness insurance can provide benefits following covered conditions such as heart attack, stroke, or cancer, depending on the policy.

Home care and skilled nursing insurance may provide benefits for qualifying care needs that Medicare doesn't fully cover.

Stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing insurance can provide more comprehensive benefits when Medicare has limited coverage in those areas.

These products aren't replacements for Medicare. They're tools that may help address specific financial exposures.

What About a Spouse Who Isn't Medicare Eligible Yet?

Medicare is individual coverage, not family coverage.

When one spouse becomes Medicare-eligible, and the other does not, the younger spouse needs a separate coverage strategy.

That might involve employer coverage, COBRA, an ACA Marketplace plan or other available individual coverage.

This can affect the Medicare-eligible spouse's decision too. For example, leaving employer coverage could affect the younger spouse's eligibility or cost.

Evaluate the household, not just the person turning 65.

Medicare Enrollment Periods for 2027

The primary Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, with elections generally effective January 1, 2027. During AEP, beneficiaries can make several changes involving Medicare Advantage and Part D. Medicare

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. During that period, an MA member can generally make one change to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare and, where applicable, obtain Part D coverage. Medicare

There are also Initial Enrollment Periods for people becoming Medicare eligible and numerous Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying circumstances. Medicare

This is another reason an agent can be helpful: not every Medicare beneficiary is limited to AEP.

Why Work With an Independent Medicare Agent?

You can certainly research Medicare on your own. Medicare.gov is an excellent resource.

But Medicare isn't simply a matter of finding the plan with the lowest premium.

An experienced independent Medicare agent can help compare plans from multiple insurance companies, verify prescriptions, review provider networks, explain plan differences and help you think through how those differences apply to your circumstances.

Most importantly for the consumer, you generally don't pay an additional fee to use an agent to enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement policy. Agents are typically compensated by the insurance company when permitted for the product.

The premium for a Medicare plan isn't increased simply because you used an agent.

That means you can get professional help navigating the decision without adding an agent fee to your Medicare premium.

At Platinum Benefit Advisors, our goal isn't simply to help you enroll in a Medicare plan. It's to help you understand your options and make a decision based on your doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, pharmacies, healthcare needs, travel, budget and priorities.

The Bottom Line

There is no single "best Medicare plan in Michigan."

There is a Medicare strategy that may be better suited to you.

For one person, that may be a $0-premium Medicare Advantage HMO. For another, it may be a PPO with broader out-of-network benefits. Someone eligible for Medicaid or living with a qualifying chronic condition may benefit from an SNP. A frequent traveler may prefer Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and Part D.

The right answer depends on the individual.

And in a year when more than 136,000 Michigan Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in plans leaving their county, reviewing your coverage isn't just paperwork. It can be an important financial and healthcare decision.

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The Ultimate 2027 Michigan Medicare Decision Guide

How to Compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement Plans and Choose the Right Coverage for 2027

Michigan's Medicare Advantage Market Is Changing

Michigan 2027 Plan Terminations and Service Area Reductions

Medicare Advantage Plans Ending in Michigan for 2027

2027 Michigan Medicare Carrier List

Before Comparing Plans, Build Your Medicare Checklist

2027 Medicare Annual Review Checklist

1. Review Your Current Coverage

2. Doctors, Hospitals & Health Care

3. Prescription Drugs

4. Pharmacies

5. Your Health & Expected Medical Costs

6. Additional Benefits

7. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement

8. Other Health Coverage

9. Income & Medicare Costs

10. Your Lifestyle

11. Before Making Your Final Decision

Need Help Choosing Your 2027 Medicare Coverage?