Why Are Some Medicare Advantage Plans Free?
Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans. They're available to anyone eligible for Medicare.
Plans include all of the benefits of Original Medicare but typically also include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits, such as:
dental
vision
hearing
fitness
How can a Medicare Advantage plan be free?
If you shop around for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may notice that private insurers advertise some plans as 'free.'
Some insurers may refer to Medicare Advantage plans as free because the plans offer a $0 monthly enrollment premium. This offer makes them attractive for people looking to save money on monthly Medicare costs, but other costs exist.
A free Medicare Advantage plan means the insurer offers a $0 monthly premium. However, there may be other costs, such as deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments, and you must still pay the Medicare Part B premium to Medicare, which in 2025 is $185.
When a private insurance company contracts with Medicare, it receives a set amount of money to cover parts A and B insurance. The company could save money elsewhere by using in-network doctors and facilities. In that case, it could pass those extra savings to members, resulting in a 'free' monthly premium.
These 'free' Medicare Advantage plans are also great for companies to advertise attractive savings to potential beneficiaries.
Are $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans really free?
Even though private insurers advertise $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans as free, you still have to pay some out-of-pocket costs for coverage, such as:
Medicare Advantage plan monthly premium: If a Medicare Advantage plan is truly free, you don't have to pay a monthly premium to enroll.
Part B monthly premium: You still need to pay the Part B premium to Medicare. In 2025, the Part B premium is $185 per month for most people, although it may be higher depending on your income.
Deductibles: Most Medicare Advantage plans have two types of annual deductibles. One is for the bundles of inpatient and outpatient coverage for Part A and Part B, and the other is for prescription drug coverage if the plan includes it.
Coinsurance/copayments: Most Medicare Advantage plans charge copayments. A copayment is the out-of-pocket fee you pay every time you receive medical services. Some plans may also charge coinsurance, which is a percentage cost toward billed services.
Medicare Advantage plan costs can also differ based on their structure. For example, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans charge different out-of-pocket costs based on whether you use a provider that's in or out of your network.
Do you qualify for $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans?
There are no qualifications for free Medicare Advantage plans.
When searching for a Medicare Advantage plan online, you can usually sort the search results page by 'lowest monthly premium' to see $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
Another way to keep track of your Medicare Advantage costs is to pay attention to the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) form and annual notice of change (ANOC). Your plan sends them each year, and they can help you stay on top of any price changes or fee increases.
Resources to help cover Medicare costs
One of the most important ways to manage your Medicare costs is to use the resources available to help cover or lower your costs. These resources include:
Medicare savings programs: These programs can help low income beneficiaries pay Medicare Advantage premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Supplemental Social Security: This benefit offers a monthly payment to people who are disabled, blind, or above 65 years old. This payment can help cover Medicare costs.
Extra Help: This program can help with prescription drug costs and is available to people with low income and limited resources.
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): This program can help you manage your healthcare needs from within your community.
The takeaway
Free Medicare Advantage plans mean private insurance companies don't charge a monthly premium.
While private insurers advertise these plans as free, you still have to pay the standard out-of-pocket costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. You also still need to pay the Part B premium directly to Medicare.
If you qualify for Medicare and are a part A and B enrollee, you can search for $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
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