CoveredUSA
Medicare AdvantageJune 29, 2026·12 min read·By Jacob Posner, Founder & Editor

Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland (2026)

Maryland has approximately 63 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with about 280,000 beneficiaries enrolled (a 24% MA penetration rate, well below the 55% national average). Average premium: ~$19/mo. Statewide average Star Rating: 3.8.

Quick Answer: Maryland has approximately 63 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, served by eight carriers including Kaiser Permanente, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Cigna HealthCare, Alterwood Advantage, and Hopkins Health Advantage. About 280,000 Marylanders are enrolled in MA (roughly 24% of the state's Medicare population), far below the 55% national MA penetration rate. The statewide average monthly premium is approximately $19, and all Maryland residents have access to at least one $0 premium plan. The Annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.

Maryland is one of the smaller Medicare Advantage markets in the mid-Atlantic region. About 1.16 million Marylanders are enrolled in Medicare in 2026, but only roughly 24% have chosen a Medicare Advantage plan, far below the 55% national average. That lower penetration reflects two Maryland-specific factors: the state's unique all-payer hospital rate-setting system (run by the Health Services Cost Review Commission) makes hospital costs more predictable for Original Medicare users, and a historically active Medigap market has kept many beneficiaries in traditional coverage. For 2026, Maryland has approximately 63 Medicare Advantage plans from eight carriers, with a statewide average monthly premium of about $19, per CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025.

Maryland's 2026 Medicare Advantage market experienced a significant disruption heading into the plan year. UnitedHealthcare discontinued most non-dual-eligible plans in the state and removed Johns Hopkins Medicine from its network in mid-2025. Aetna retreated to only three counties (Frederick, Harford, and Montgomery). These exits forced an estimated 100,000 Maryland beneficiaries to select new coverage, according to Maryland Matters reporting. The remaining eight carriers have stabilized enrollment, with Kaiser Permanente, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Hopkins Health Advantage absorbing much of the displaced membership. Maryland residents shopping in 2026 and beyond should confirm their specific county's plan availability at medicare.gov/plan-compare, since carrier footprints differ sharply by county.

Maryland Medicare Advantage shoppers face a moderate number of plan choices compared to large-market states. The metro Washington DC corridor (Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Frederick counties) offers the widest selection, driven by Kaiser Permanente's DC-metro service area and CareFirst's PPO network. Rural Western Maryland (Allegany and Garrett counties) and the Eastern Shore (Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot counties) have fewer plans but CareFirst's PPO coverage extends statewide. Maryland's SHIP program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased plan-comparison help at no cost to beneficiaries. This guide covers the 2026 Maryland Medicare Advantage market: plan count, top carriers, enrollment dates, and what to look for when shopping.

2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in Maryland

In 2026, Maryland has 63 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 280,000 beneficiaries enrolled (24% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $19 and the statewide average Star Rating is 3.8.

Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Maryland (2026)
CarrierPlansAvg Star RatingAvg Premium
Kaiser Permanente64.5$34/mo
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield53.5$22/mo
UnitedHealthcare43.5$78/mo
Hopkins Health Advantage63.4$62/mo
Humana53.5$22/mo
Aetna (CVS Health)24.0$46/mo
Cigna HealthCare33.0$38/mo
Alterwood Advantage33.5$0/mo

Source: KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Maryland data, CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Maryland Insurance Administration MOE2026

Plan Types in Maryland: HMO vs PPO vs SNP

Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in Maryland
Plan TypePlans AvailableAvg PremiumBest For
HMO~24$29/moLower premiums, willing to use in-network providers, primarily Baltimore and DC metro
HMO-POS~16$38/moSome out-of-network flexibility; Kaiser and UHC use this type in Maryland
PPO~18$42/moStatewide access including rural areas; CareFirst PPO serves all 24 Maryland jurisdictions
Special Needs Plan (SNP)~5$0/moDual-eligible (Maryland HealthChoice + Medicare) or chronic condition enrollees

Plan type counts are approximate based on CMS Plan Finder Q4 2025 data. Maryland does not currently have any PFFS or MSA plans. Exact plan availability depends on your county and ZIP code in 2026.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Maryland Insurance Administration MOE2026, Maryland Medicare Advantage plan data 2026

County-Level Variance in Maryland

Maryland Medicare Advantage plan availability varies considerably by county. The DC-metro corridor and Baltimore metro areas have the most competition and lowest premiums. Rural Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore have fewer plans, and several rural counties rely primarily on CareFirst's statewide PPO as their main option. Maryland has 24 jurisdictions (23 counties plus Baltimore City) with varying plan counts in 2026.

Plan count and average premium by county in Maryland
CountyPlans AvailableAvg Premium
Montgomery County28$30/mo
Baltimore City22$28/mo
Anne Arundel County19$32/mo
Garrett County8$42/mo
Somerset County9$40/mo

Maryland county plan counts and premiums are approximate based on CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 data. Run a personalized search at medicare.gov to see exact plans for your Maryland ZIP code.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Maryland county plan data 2026

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What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Maryland

Maryland Medicare Advantage shoppers in 2026 face a market that recently saw major carrier exits. Picking the right plan means going beyond premium to evaluate network stability, drug coverage, and prior authorization requirements.

  • Provider network stability. After UnitedHealthcare dropped Johns Hopkins Medicine from its network in mid-2025 and Aetna exited most of Maryland, network disruptions are a real risk. Confirm your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar, LifeBridge) are in-network before you enroll for 2026.
  • Prescription drug coverage (formulary). Most Maryland MA plans include Part D. Verify your specific medications are on the formulary at an affordable tier. The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans (set by the Inflation Reduction Act, signed 2022), and insulin is capped at $35/month.
  • Star Ratings. CMS rates plans 1 to 5 stars annually. Maryland's state average is about 3.8 in 2026, near the national average of 3.66. Kaiser Permanente holds 4.5 stars in Maryland; UHC's remaining D-SNP plans hold 3.5 stars per CMS 2026 ratings; CareFirst, Humana, and Cigna are at 3.0 to 3.5. Higher Star Ratings generally mean better care management and fewer coverage denials.
  • Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). The 2026 federal in-network MOOP ceiling for Maryland MA plans is $9,250 (down $100 from $9,350 in 2025). Maryland HMO plans average around $8,395 MOOP; HMO-POS plans average about $6,364. Original Medicare has no MOOP cap, which is why Medigap supplements remain popular in Maryland.
  • Extras (dental, vision, hearing, fitness). Maryland MA plans vary widely on supplemental benefits. Kaiser plans tend to include generous dental and vision. CareFirst and Hopkins Advantage offer modest extras. Always read the Evidence of Coverage to see annual limits before assuming a benefit is covered.
  • Prior authorization burden. Maryland's all-payer hospital rate-setting system makes inpatient costs more uniform across payers, but MA plans still apply prior authorization for surgeries, advanced imaging, and specialist referrals. If you have a chronic condition or expect significant care, check the plan's prior authorization list and CMS's published denial rates at cms.gov.

Key Medicare Dates in Maryland

Maryland Medicare and Medicare Advantage have several enrollment windows in 2026. Missing a window can mean delayed coverage or late-enrollment penalties for Part B.

  • Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7, 2026Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change MA plans, or change Part D plans. Coverage starts January 1, 2027.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 - March 31, 2026If you're already enrolled in an MA plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch only during this period.
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthdayStarts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes the birth month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first, then choose MA or Original Medicare plus Part D.
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying eventTriggered by moving out of your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Maryland HealthChoice (dual eligible), or other qualifying life events. Typically a 2-3 month window from the event date.
  • Five-Star Special Enrollment Period: December 8, 2026 - November 30, 2027If a Maryland MA plan earns 5 stars from CMS, you can switch into that plan once per year outside of AEP. No Maryland MA plan held a 5-star rating in 2026; UHC's D-SNP plans were rated 3.5 stars by CMS.

Notable Extras in Maryland Plans

Maryland has several state-specific factors that meaningfully affect Medicare Advantage plan selection and cost in 2026:

  • All-payer hospital rate setting (HSCRC): Maryland is the only state in the nation where a state agency (the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or HSCRC) sets hospital rates for all payers: Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance pay the same rate for the same hospital service. This unique model makes inpatient hospital costs more predictable under Original Medicare than in other states, which is one reason Maryland's MA penetration rate (24% in 2026) stays well below the national average (55%). The AHEAD Model (a CMS agreement starting in 2024) is transitioning rate-setting authority back to CMS by 2028-2031, which may change the cost picture for both MA and Original Medicare enrollees in coming plan years.
  • Maryland HealthChoice and dual-eligible D-SNPs: Maryland HealthChoice is the state's Medicaid managed care program. Marylanders who qualify for both Maryland HealthChoice and Medicare are dual eligible and can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which coordinates both programs in one plan. D-SNPs in Maryland typically carry $0 premiums, $0 primary care copays, and no out-of-pocket prescription costs. UnitedHealthcare offers two D-SNP products (HMO D-SNP and HMO-POS D-SNP) in Maryland for 2026. To check if you qualify for dual eligibility, contact the Maryland Department of Health or review Medicaid income limits at the medicaid-income-limits reference page.
  • Maryland SHIP free counseling: Maryland's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through 19 offices across the state. SHIP counselors can help you compare 2026 Maryland Medicare Advantage plans side-by-side, identify the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP), and appeal coverage denials. Call 410-767-1100 or find your local SHIP office through the Maryland Department of Aging at aging.maryland.gov.
  • 2026 market disruption: plan exits and network changes: Maryland's 2026 MA market saw unusually large disruption. UnitedHealthcare exited most non-D-SNP markets statewide and removed Johns Hopkins Medicine from its commercial MA network. Aetna retreated to three counties. Approximately 100,000 Maryland beneficiaries were affected, per Maryland Matters. If you were in one of these plans, your current coverage may have changed. Use the Annual Election Period each October 15 to December 7 to review your options annually, and call Maryland SHIP (410-767-1100) for personalized assistance.

Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Maryland

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives Maryland beneficiaries nationwide provider access and no prior authorization for most services. Maryland's all-payer hospital rate system makes inpatient costs more uniform than in most states, so Medigap-plus-Original-Medicare can be a strong value proposition here. A typical Medigap Plan G premium in Maryland runs $150-$250 per month depending on age and carrier, plus the 2026 Part B standard premium of $202.90 per month, plus a Part D drug plan. Total monthly cost under this approach often exceeds $350-$450 per month for a Maryland beneficiary in their late 60s.

Maryland Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage in one plan with a 2026 statewide average premium of about $19 per month, well below the Original-plus-Medigap total cost. The trade-off is a defined network (in 2026, UHC's exit from Johns Hopkins was a stark reminder that networks can change mid-year) and prior authorization requirements for many services. Maryland also has no state Medigap birthday rule (unlike California) that lets you switch Medigap plans without underwriting, so leaving Medicare Advantage to return to Original Medicare later can mean facing medical underwriting to get Medigap coverage.

Maryland residents who travel frequently to other states or need specialists outside the DC-Baltimore metro corridor may find Original Medicare with Medigap the better fit. Maryland residents who spend most of their time in state and value lower out-of-pocket costs, plus extras like dental and vision, will often find Medicare Advantage more cost-effective. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare to run a side-by-side estimate before AEP each year.

How Star Ratings work in Maryland Medicare Advantage

Maryland Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, like all state markets, are published by CMS every October for the following plan year. CMS rates plans 1 to 5 stars across roughly 40 quality measures: chronic condition management, customer service, member complaints, Part D drug safety, and preventive care. Plans rated 4 stars or higher earn quality bonus payments from CMS, which carriers often reinvest into richer benefits for the next plan year. The national average MA Star Rating for 2026 is 3.66, and Maryland's statewide weighted average is approximately 3.8, slightly above the national figure.

Maryland's standout plan in 2026 by Star Rating is Kaiser Permanente (4.5 stars across its HMO-POS offerings in the DC-metro service area). UnitedHealthcare's D-SNP products hold 3.5 stars per CMS 2026 ratings for dual-eligible Marylanders. CareFirst, Humana, and Cigna hold 3.0 to 3.5-star ratings, meaning they do not earn CMS bonus payments. Alterwood and Hopkins Health Advantage fall in the 3.0 to 3.84-star range. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield sued CMS over its 2026 Maryland Star Ratings, arguing the methodology was flawed, which Maryland beneficiaries should note when evaluating CareFirst's rating in context.

How to enroll in Maryland Medicare Advantage

Maryland residents enrolling in Medicare Advantage in 2026 follow the same federal enrollment process as beneficiaries across the country, but with Maryland-specific carrier and county plan options that vary significantly by ZIP code. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare as your starting point: CMS publishes a personalized plan-finder tool keyed to your ZIP code that shows every plan available in your area, side-by-side premiums, Star Ratings, drug formularies, and estimated total annual costs. Maryland's SHIP program (410-767-1100) also provides free, one-on-one counseling from certified advisors who can walk you through plan comparisons at no cost.

  • Step 1: Confirm Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. You must already be enrolled in both before you can join a Maryland MA plan. If you are newly turning 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your birthday) covers this. Visit ssa.gov to check your enrollment status.
  • Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need: your Medicare card (showing your Medicare number and Part A and B effective dates); your ZIP code for plan availability lookup; a list of your current prescription medications and dosages for formulary comparison; a list of your current doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals for network verification; and your Maryland HealthChoice card if you are dual eligible.
  • Step 3: Compare plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Filter by your Maryland ZIP code. Sort by Star Rating, monthly premium, estimated annual cost, or maximum out-of-pocket limit. Given Maryland's 2026 carrier exits, pay close attention to which hospitals and doctor groups are listed in-network for each plan. Maryland SHIP counselors at 410-767-1100 can run this comparison with you by phone at no charge.
  • Step 4: Apply. Enroll directly through medicare.gov/plan-compare, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or directly through the carrier's enrollment line. Most online Maryland MA enrollments take 10 to 15 minutes. Confirm the plan's service area includes your county before submitting.
  • Step 5: Confirm your coverage start date. AEP enrollments (made October 15 to December 7, 2026) start January 1, 2027. Special Enrollment Period enrollments typically start the first of the month after you enroll. Your new carrier will mail a member ID card and Evidence of Coverage within 7 to 10 business days of enrollment confirmation.
How to enroll in Maryland Medicare Advantage detail
DocumentWhy You Need It
Medicare card (red, white, and blue)Verifies your Medicare number and Part A and Part B effective dates
ZIP codeDetermines which Maryland plans are available in your area
Current prescription list (drug name, dose, frequency)Needed to compare formularies and find lowest-cost drug tier
List of current doctors and preferred hospitalsNeeded to verify in-network status before enrolling
Maryland HealthChoice card (if dual eligible)Required for D-SNP enrollment; proves Medicaid eligibility

Maryland Medicare Advantage enrollment documents checklist 2026. Keep these documents available when using medicare.gov/plan-compare or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Source: CMS Medicare Enrollment Guidance 2026, Maryland Insurance Administration

$0 premium plans in Maryland for 2026

Maryland has several $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, primarily concentrated in the Baltimore metro and DC-suburb corridor. A $0 premium plan does NOT mean zero total cost: you still pay the standard 2026 Part B premium of $202.90 per month, plus any drug copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs up to the plan's MOOP limit. Alterwood Advantage offers $0 premium HMO plans in select Maryland markets. Kaiser Permanente, CareFirst, and Humana each offer at least one $0 or near-$0 premium option in certain Maryland counties in 2026. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare to see which $0 plans are available at your specific ZIP code.

$0 premium plans in Maryland for 2026 detail
CarrierPlan TypeStar Rating (2026)Counties Available
Alterwood AdvantageHMO3.5Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, Howard (select)
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShieldPPO3.5All 24 Maryland jurisdictions (Advantage Essential $0 plan)
Kaiser PermanenteHMO-POS4.5Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's (select $0 plans)
HumanaPPO3.5Most Maryland counties (HumanaChoice PPO, select $0 options)
UnitedHealthcareHMO D-SNP3.5Select counties for dual-eligible enrollees only ($0 D-SNP)

Maryland $0 premium plan availability sample for 2026. Not all $0 plans are available in every county. Full list and ZIP-code-specific results at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Star Ratings reflect 2026 CMS plan year ratings.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Maryland Insurance Administration MOE2026 data, Maryland $0 premium plan 2026

Special Needs Plans in Maryland: who qualifies in 2026

Maryland Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are available in 2026 for three distinct populations. Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are for Marylanders who qualify for both Medicare and Maryland HealthChoice (the state's Medicaid managed care program). D-SNPs coordinate both coverage programs into one plan, typically with $0 premiums, $0 copays for most services, and zero out-of-pocket prescription costs. UnitedHealthcare offers HMO D-SNP and HMO-POS D-SNP products in Maryland for 2026. To enroll in a Maryland D-SNP, you must be eligible for full Medicaid (not just a Medicare Savings Program buy-in) and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Contact the Maryland Department of Health or review income eligibility information to determine if you qualify.

Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) serve Maryland Medicare enrollees with severe or disabling chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart failure, or end-stage renal disease. C-SNPs tailor benefits and care management to the specific condition. Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) serve Maryland beneficiaries who reside in or require the level of care provided by a skilled nursing facility. If you or a family member has a qualifying condition, search specifically for C-SNPs and I-SNPs at medicare.gov/plan-compare alongside standard HMO and PPO results. Dual-eligible Marylanders enrolled in D-SNPs also receive quarterly Special Enrollment Period rights (once per quarter in Q1-Q3) to switch plans outside of the standard AEP window.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Maryland in 2026?

Maryland has approximately 63 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, down from 68 plans in 2025. Eight carriers offer plans: Kaiser Permanente, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Cigna HealthCare, Alterwood Advantage, and Hopkins Health Advantage. The exact number available to you depends on your county and ZIP code. Montgomery County and Baltimore City have the most options; rural Western Maryland and Eastern Shore counties typically have 8 to 12 plans. Run a search at medicare.gov/plan-compare for your exact ZIP code.

What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Maryland for 2026?

The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium in Maryland is approximately $19 in 2026, down from about $28 in 2025. Maryland has multiple $0 premium plan options available statewide, including CareFirst's Advantage Essential PPO and Alterwood Advantage HMO plans in select counties. Premiums range from $0 to over $100 per month depending on plan type (HMO, PPO, D-SNP) and county. Remember: even $0 premium plans require you to continue paying the 2026 Part B premium of $202.90 per month.

When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in Maryland?

The main 2026 enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. You can also enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by events like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Maryland HealthChoice (dual eligibility). Existing MA enrollees can make one plan switch during the MA Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026). Maryland SHIP counselors (410-767-1100) can help you identify the right window.

Who has the best Medicare Advantage plans in Maryland?

Kaiser Permanente leads Maryland in Star Ratings with 4.5 stars in 2026, serving the DC-metro corridor (Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, Calvert, and Charles counties). UnitedHealthcare's D-SNP products hold 3.5 stars per CMS 2026 ratings for dual-eligible Marylanders. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield offers the broadest geographic coverage with statewide PPO plans, though at 3.5 stars. Hopkins Health Advantage benefits from Johns Hopkins Medicine's hospital network in Baltimore metro. The best Maryland plan for you depends on your county, your doctors, your medications, and whether you prioritize Star Rating, premium, or provider access.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland beneficiaries can switch during the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during the MA Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). However, Maryland does not have a Medigap birthday rule like California's, so returning to Original Medicare does not guarantee you can purchase a Medigap supplement without medical underwriting. Exceptions apply under guaranteed issue rights (e.g., if your plan leaves your service area). Plan carefully before switching out of Medicare Advantage in Maryland, and consult Maryland SHIP (410-767-1100) for a personalized analysis.

What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO in Maryland Medicare Advantage?

HMO plans in Maryland (about 24 of 63 plans in 2026) require you to use in-network providers and typically need a referral to see a specialist. They tend to have lower premiums (median $29/month) but restrict you to a specific network. Kaiser Permanente's Maryland plans use an HMO-POS model, which allows limited out-of-network use. PPO plans (about 18 of 63 plans) let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost share without referrals, and CareFirst's PPO plans cover all 24 Maryland jurisdictions including rural areas. Choose HMO for lower in-network costs; choose PPO for statewide or national flexibility.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Maryland?

Most Maryland Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built into the plan (called MA-PD plans). The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Insulin is capped at $35 per month for all Part D plans. Always check the specific plan's formulary at medicare.gov/plan-compare to confirm your medications are covered and at what cost tier. Maryland seniors who need additional drug cost help may also qualify for the federal Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program or Maryland's Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP).

Are dental, vision, and hearing covered by Medicare Advantage in Maryland?

Most Maryland Medicare Advantage plans include some level of dental, vision, and hearing benefits, which Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage varies widely by carrier and plan: Kaiser Permanente Maryland plans tend to offer more generous dental and vision packages, while CareFirst and Humana offer more limited extras. Some plans cover only preventive dental (cleanings, X-rays) while others include restorative care (fillings, crowns). Always review the plan's Evidence of Coverage for annual benefit limits before assuming a specific service is covered in 2026.

What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and who qualifies in Maryland?

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans designed for specific populations. Maryland has three types in 2026. Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) serve Marylanders eligible for both Medicare and Maryland HealthChoice (Medicaid), typically with $0 premiums and $0 copays; UnitedHealthcare offers D-SNPs in Maryland. Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) serve enrollees with severe chronic conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, or ESRD, with care management tailored to the condition. Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) serve enrollees who reside in or need the level of care provided by a skilled nursing facility. Dual-eligible Marylanders in D-SNPs can also change plans quarterly (in Q1, Q2, and Q3), offering more flexibility than standard AEP-only changes.

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Sources & References

  1. 1. CMS Medicare Plan Finder (medicare.gov)Maryland plan count, premium, Star Rating, and county availability data for 2026.
  2. 2. CMS Medicare Advantage Quality Rating SystemMaryland Medicare Advantage Star Ratings methodology and 2026 carrier-level ratings data.
  3. 3. KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Enrollment and SpotlightMaryland statewide enrollment trends, penetration rate, and 2026 plan year changes.
  4. 4. Maryland Insurance Administration - Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 (MOE2026)Maryland-specific carrier list, plan changes, and consumer advisories for 2026 Medicare Advantage open enrollment.
  5. 5. Maryland Department of Aging - SHIP ProgramMaryland SHIP free counseling for Medicare Advantage plan comparison and enrollment assistance in 2026.
  6. 6. Maryland Department of Health - Maryland HealthChoiceMaryland HealthChoice Medicaid managed care program; dual-eligibility D-SNP coordination context for Maryland 2026.
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