Medicare Copays and Other 2021 Medicare Costs

• by Christian Worstell
• February 5, 2021
• Reviewed by John Krahnert

Medicare Advantage plans offer the ability to receive the same benefits as Original Medicare, but from a private insurer.

However even with the added flexibility that Medicare Advantage plans provide, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket costs, including copays.

A Medicare copay is the amount of money you're required to pay for a covered Medicare service or good. A copayment is typically a flat fee.

Why Medicare Advantage?

In 2020, more than 34 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.¹

Many are likely drawn to the unique benefits of Medicare Advantage, as compared with Original Medicare:

• Medicare Advantage plans may often include additional benefits for prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.
  
  
• The average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage is $33.57 per month in 2021.² Some plans may not have a monthly premium, and some may even help pay you back for your Medicare Part B premium.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage, unlike Original Medicare, comes with an out-of-pocket limit, which means your out-of-pocket spending will be capped.
  
  
• While plans are offered by private insurers, you are still guaranteed the benefits of Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage costs

Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket costs can include:

• Medicare Part B premium
  Even under Medicare Advantage, you must still pay your Part B premium (unless your plan helps pay for it). The standard Part B premium in 2021 is $148.50 per month.
  
  
• Deductibles
  Some plans require you to meet a deductible when seeing doctors, visiting hospitals, or getting your drugs filled.
  
  
• Medicare copay
  Many Medicare Advantage plans require that you pay a copay when you see a doctor. This is a fixed cost — and an alternative to Original Medicare’s 20 percent coinsurance.
  
  
• Premiums
  As noted above, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage is $33.57 per month in 2021.

Note: these costs may be higher (or lower), depending on your plan.

Compare Medicare plan costs

As you compare your options, you should weigh the costs of Medicare Advantage against the additional benefits you may receive, as compared to staying with Original Medicare.

Read additional medicare costs guides to learn more about Medicare costs and how they will affect you.

Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!

¹ Jacobson, G., et al. (Oct. 24, 2019). Medicare Advantage 2020 Spotlight: First Look. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2020-spotlight-first-look.

² MedicareAdvantage.com's The Best States for Medicare in 2021 report. (Oct. 27, 2020).

About the author

Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.

His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.

Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.

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