Updated Feb. 24, 2021
10,000 American seniors turn 65 every day, and all living Baby Boomers will be at least 65 by the year 2030.
Today, 62.5 million Americans – mostly age 65 and older – are enrolled in Medicare. These tens of millions of people, however, don’t have access to the same Medicare insurance options.
22 million Medicare beneficiaries (34% of all Medicare enrollees) are enrolled in a type of private Medicare plan called a Medicare Advantage plan. Another 20.6 million are enrolled in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP).
- Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPDs)
Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies and replace a beneficiary’s government-provided Original Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans offer all the same benefits of Original Medicare, and many plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as prescription drugs. Only the plans that include prescription drug coverage (which make up around 90% of all Medicare Advantage plans) are included in our report. - Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs)
Also known as Medicare Part D, these plans provide coverage exclusively for retail prescription drugs, which aren’t typically covered by federally-provided Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B).
Beneficiaries can have either a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, a standalone Part D plan (PDP) or neither, but they cannot have both.
Private Medicare insurance can vary greatly from one state — or even one county or zip code — to the next. Some seniors may live in a utopia of numerous affordable and high-quality plan options, while others may be left in a Medicare desert of high cost plans and scarce selection.
Best States for Medicare: Study Overview
In this report, we determine where Medicare beneficiaries have access to the widest range of quality private Medicare plans at the most affordable prices. To do this, we compared plan data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the 50 states across measures of:
- Affordability
We factored the weighted average premium, average annual drug deductible and average in-network max out-of-pocket spending limit. - Availability
This includes the number of plans available and the average number of plans per county with consideration for the number of plan enrollees. - Quality
We highlighted the percentage of plans that are ranked four stars or higher based on the Medicare Star Rating system.1 All Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D drug plans are assigned an annual star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). One-star plans are determined to be lowest quality, and plans rated four stars or higher are considered “top-rated” plans. - Popularity
We calculated the percentage change in enrollment for each plan from 2020 to 2021, including consideration for how this percentage compares to the national average and for the average penetration rate.
Read on for our findings, expert insight on the future of Medicare in America, state-by-state analysis and a full description of our methodology.
Best States for Medicare: Key Findings
Best States for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD)
| State | Overall Rank | # Plans Available | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 17 | 51 | $24.28 | 65% | $137.50 |
| Arizona | 7 | 71 | $16.35 | 38% | $138.71 |
| Arkansas | 47 | 49 | $22.35 | 0 | $207.36 |
| California | 3 | 140 | $20.32 | 75% | $141.34 |
| Colorado | 36 | 49 | $23.02 | 37% | $98.05 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 33 | $38.30 | 71% | $175.36 |
| Delaware | 9 | 16 | $22.80 | 45% | $65.12 |
| Florida | 4 | 178 | $13.17 | 64% | $110.80 |
| Georgia | 42 | 71 | $17.35 | 38% | $187.28 |
| Hawaii | 12 | 20 | $46.71 | 79% | $214.79 |
| Idaho | 13 | 53 | $36.40 | 70% | $141.82 |
| Illinois | 26 | 117 | $30.58 | 40% | $114.65 |
| Indiana | 25 | 82 | $20.88 | 59% | $145.14 |
| Iowa | 20 | 52 | $30.94 | 80% | $80.75 |
| Kansas | 33 | 60 | $18.53 | 43% | $100.02 |
| Kentucky | 32 | 58 | $19.17 | 65% | $98.19 |
| Louisiana | 27 | 44 | $27.78 | 70% | $165.49 |
| Maine | 11 | 28 | $25.41 | 64% | $176.74 |
| Maryland | 30 | 22 | $64.78 | 70% | $96.91 |
| Massachusetts | 18 | 52 | $73.43 | 93% | $231.07 |
| Michigan | 31 | 78 | $57.39 | 65% | $67.52 |
| Minnesota | 39 | 76 | $64.66 | 76% | $297.80 |
| Mississippi | 41 | 36 | $17.98 | 50% | $294.31 |
| Missouri | 29 | 75 | $18.10 | 50% | $107.87 |
| Montana | 48 | 17 | $46.36 | 69% | $350.26 |
| Nebraska | 43 | 27 | $20.41 | 52% | $157.53 |
| Nevada | 2 | 54 | $11.58 | 65% | $128.83 |
| New Hampshire | 21 | 34 | $30.68 | 61% | $232.49 |
| New Jersey | 5 | 58 | $25.12 | 71% | $198.18 |
| New Mexico | 40 | 35 | $28.11 | 29% | $235.15 |
| New York | 35 | 142 | $40.36 | 52% | $233.64 |
| North Carolina | 24 | 71 | $19.47 | 67% | $145.18 |
| North Dakota | 46 | 28 | $76.33 | 75% | $360.17 |
| Ohio | 8 | 124 | $45.03 | 70% | $114.04 |
| Oklahoma | 34 | 44 | $21.17 | 29% | $128.21 |
| Oregon | 19 | 89 | $48.32 | 64% | $154.02 |
| Pennsylvania | 6 | 126 | $52.70 | 73% | $34.01 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | 20 | $42.50 | 69% | $60.63 |
| South Carolina | 23 | 60 | $15.02 | 41% | $154.57 |
| South Dakota | 45 | 27 | $70.19 | 73% | $326.05 |
| Tennessee | 28 | 59 | $25.03 | 54% | $123.66 |
| Texas | 44 | 109 | $21.52 | 47% | $191.58 |
| Utah | 10 | 32 | $19.15 | 80% | $156.89 |
| Vermont | 22 | 23 | $41.27 | 69% | $169.15 |
| Virginia | 38 | 69 | $23.18 | 59% | $176.80 |
| Washington | 14 | 118 | $41.10 | 70% | $138.20 |
| West Virginia | 37 | 34 | $32.23 | 30% | $110.38 |
| Wisconsin | 15 | 100 | $45.39 | 90% | $247.95 |
| Wyoming | 49 | 6 | $52.26 | 20% | $276.17 |
Best States for Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
| State | Overall Rank | # Plans Available | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 39 | 32 | $43.79 | 18% | $344.06 |
| Alaska | 4 | 25 | $37.84 | 16% | $366.80 |
| Arizona | 15 | 32 | $40.98 | 4% | $335.63 |
| Arkansas | 48 | 31 | $40.52 | 6% | $331.77 |
| California | 28 | 32 | $45.75 | 7% | $334.69 |
| Colorado | 8 | 27 | $44.03 | 18% | $340.74 |
| Connecticut | 18 | 27 | $43.26 | 18% | $337.78 |
| Delaware | 2 | 27 | $36.94 | 7% | $361.67 |
| Florida | 35 | 28 | $47.28 | 7% | $344.64 |
| Georgia | 43 | 32 | $39.33 | 7% | $339.22 |
| Hawaii | 1 | 26 | $38.52 | 18% | $360.96 |
| Idaho | 11 | 28 | $44.56 | 14% | $338.21 |
| Illinois | 21 | 31 | $42.02 | 18% | $342.42 |
| Indiana | 50 | 30 | $36.05 | 7% | $343.67 |
| Iowa | 31 | 28 | $42.99 | 7% | $343.75 |
| Kansas | 30 | 29 | $38.24 | 7% | $337.93 |
| Kentucky | 27 | 30 | $36.05 | 19% | $343.67 |
| Louisiana | 41 | 26 | $39.50 | 14% | $349.81 |
| Maine | 49 | 28 | $38.64 | 7% | $340.89 |
| Maryland | 13 | 27 | $36.94 | 7% | $361.67 |
| Massachusetts | 9 | 27 | $43.26 | 16% | $337.78 |
| Michigan | 46 | 29 | $38.57 | 8% | $343.62 |
| Minnesota | 34 | 28 | $42.99 | 19% | $343.75 |
| Mississippi | 25 | 27 | $35.60 | 19% | $355.74 |
| Missouri | 29 | 29 | $39.60 | 14% | $331.03 |
| Montana | 17 | 28 | $42.99 | 7% | $343.75 |
| Nebraska | 19 | 28 | $42.99 | 16% | $343.75 |
| Nevada | 3 | 29 | $38.17 | 23% | $349.83 |
| New Hampshire | 6 | 28 | $38.64 | 18% | $340.89 |
| New Jersey | 36 | 30 | $44.98 | 7% | $339.33 |
| New Mexico | 32 | 27 | $44.14 | 16% | $342.96 |
| New York | 44 | 28 | $45.03 | 8% | $330.18 |
| North Carolina | 37 | 31 | $41.27 | 14% | $341.77 |
| North Dakota | 5 | 28 | $42.99 | 18% | $343.75 |
| Ohio | 23 | 30 | $37.79 | 16% | $352.00 |
| Oklahoma | 47 | 30 | $39.62 | 8% | $363.67 |
| Oregon | 22 | 29 | $42.74 | 7% | $342.93 |
| Pennsylvania | 38 | 33 | $46.68 | 7% | $328.94 |
| Rhode Island | 14 | 27 | $43.26 | 7% | $337.78 |
| South Carolina | 33 | 29 | $46.58 | 14% | $339.66 |
| South Dakota | 20 | 28 | $42.99 | 7% | $343.75 |
| Tennessee | 42 | 32 | $43.79 | 7% | $344.06 |
| Texas | 16 | 35 | $42.44 | 19% | $342.71 |
| Utah | 26 | 28 | $44.56 | 7% | $338.21 |
| Vermont | 7 | 27 | $43.26 | 19% | $337.78 |
| Virginia | 40 | 30 | $37.29 | 7% | $349.00 |
| Washington | 12 | 29 | $42.74 | 17% | $342.93 |
| West Virginia | 45 | 33 | $46.68 | 14% | $328.94 |
| Wisconsin | 24 | 31 | $44.29 | 14% | $324.35 |
| Wyoming | 10 | 28 | $42.99 | 8% | $343.75 |
National Average Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, Availability and Quality
| Type of Plan | Average Premium | Average Drug Coverage Deductible | Average Plan Availability | Average % of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPD | $33.57 | $167.31 | 62 plans per state | 59% of plans per state |
| PDP | $41.64 | $342.97 | 29 plans per state | 12% of plans per state |
MAPD plans and Prescription Drug Plans are both reasonably affordable in 2021.
- The average 2021 MAPD premium is $33.57 per month, though many areas may offer plans that feature $0 monthly premiums. The average deductible for the drug coverage offered by MAPD plans is $167.31 for the year.
- The average PDP premium is $41.64 per month in 2021, with an average drug plan deductible of $342.97 per year. The highest Part D plan deductible that was allowed by Medicare in 2020 was $425.
Geographic Differences in Medicare Markets
As noted in the maps above, the quality of Medicare’s local markets varies by state and region.
The western portion of the United States is largely considered favorable to shoppers of standalone PDP plans, but doesn’t bode quite as well for MAPD consumers.
The northeast and mid-Atlantic regions are quite the opposite, with several of the country’s best MAPD markets sitting north of the Mason-Dixon line. But those same qualities don’t carry over to that region’s PDP market landscape.
Other regions, such as the south, present mixed results across both types of coverage.
Even many individual states display a large disparity between one type of plan and another. For example, Colorado ranks 8th overall for PDP markets but just 36th in the MAPD rankings. And on the other end of the spectrum is Maine, which ranks 11th for MAPD plans but 49th for PDP.
Factors in MAPD Premium Ranges
The cost of a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan can depend on the type of plan, the benefits the plan includes and the company selling the plan. Another factor that can greatly influence MAPD premiums is where a beneficiary lives.
In Nevada, the average MAPD premium is $11.58 per month. But in North Dakota, the average $76.33.
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The overall affordability of MAPD plans can also vary from one county to another.
- Appanoose County, Iowa, has the lowest average MAPD monthly premium in the U.S., at $5.14 per month.
- Monterey County, California, conversely, has the highest average MAPD premium, at $153 per month.
How Much Has MAPD Enrollment Increased?
MAPD enrollment has increased tremendously over the last decade. Nowhere is that more evident than in Oklahoma, New Jersey, West Virginia, Mississippi and South Dakota, each of which saw enrollment increases of over 20% from 2020 to 2021.
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MAPD Quality by State
Quality is important to consumers, and in eight states, at least 75% of their MAPD plans score four stars or better for quality measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In Massachusetts, which has the 18th strongest MAPD market overall, a remarkable 93% of plans are rated four stars or higher.
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Expert Analysis
Beginning October 15, millions of American seniors have the opportunity to purchase a private Medicare insurance plan for the first time or switch to a new coverage option during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This period, also called the fall Medicare Open Enrollment period, lasts until December 7.
We asked a panel of experts for their insight on what Medicare beneficiaries should keep in mind when they consider changing their Medicare plan or enrolling in a new one for the first time. Here's what they had to say.
What are the most important steps Medicare beneficiaries can take to minimize out-of-pocket health care costs and find good coverage options for their needs?
Rebeka Etheredge, licensed insurance producer in California: First, it’s important to compare several plan options to find the right plan for your needs and your budget. While comparing plans, make sure to check if the plan accepts your current doctor and prescriptions. Second, visiting in-network doctors and pharmacies may help keep your medical and drug costs down. Finally, if you’re unsure if your Medicare plan covers a service, simply ask! It’s so important to understand each service and the cost, before you receive the treatment, so you aren’t stuck with a surprise Medicare bill.
What are some common mistakes that people make when shopping for Medicare coverage, and how can you avoid doing the same?
Christian Worstell, licensed insurance agent in North Carolina: It's not uncommon for people to settle for the first attractive plan they see without making the extra effort to continue shopping. Many people may have access to dozens of plans, but don't take the time to review them all.
I always advise consumers to make a short list of the plans that suit them the best and carefully narrow their choices as they go. You're signing up for a year's worth of coverage, so it's worth the extra time to get it right.
Etheredge: One common mistake Medicare beneficiaries make is remaining in the same plan, year after year, without checking out other plan options. Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans might change from year to year. It’s important to know if your current plan is changing or if there’s another option out there that’s a better fit for your needs and budget.
What should Medicare beneficiaries do to prepare for the coming new year?
Worstell: Review your previous year. What type of health care did you utilize? Where did you spend the most money? What types of health conditions do you have or have been warned about by your doctor? It's nearly impossible to predict our health. But the more you can anticipate your future health care needs, the better you can align those needs with your upcoming benefits.
Etheredge: If you are enrolled in a Medicare plan, you should review your Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) every year. Your insurance provider will mail this to you each fall. This document explains any plan changes, such as changes to the benefits, costs or service areas.
How does the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 affect Medicare enrollment in 2020?
Worstell: The COVID-19 pandemic is a great reason to review your coverage and identify any gaps that need filling. If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that our health can turn at the drop of a hat, and seniors especially must be proactive about the health coverage benefits they maintain.
Best Counties & Cities for Medicare in Each State
Click on a state from the map below to learn more about the top cities and counties in the state for Medicare and for further analysis on how the state compares to national averages.
Alabama
PDP Rank: 39th
MAPD Rank: 17th
Alabama’s MAPD selection favors quality over quantity. While the state’s 51 plans are slightly fewer than the national average, the average plan premium is $24.28, which is about $9 lower than the national average. The $137.50 average MAPD drug deductible is some $30 lower than the nationwide average.
This general affordability of plans is in addition to having 65% of the state’s plans being rated four stars or higher for quality by Medicare, which is comfortably above the national average of 59%. These reasons are a big part of why Alabama is in the top 20 of our state rankings for MAPD plans.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans are more par for the course, with average premiums, deductibles and plan selection in line with national averages. 18% of Alabama PDPs rated four stars or higher, which is roughly 6 percentage points above the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 1 | $20.55 | 76% | $137.71 | 32 |
| Blount | 2 | $19.21 | 81% | $111.05 | 27 |
| Lowndes | 3 | $23.92 | 80% | $107.50 | 24 |
| St. Clair | 4 | $20.01 | 77% | $117.22 | 26 |
| Bibb | 5 | $17.53 | 75% | $122.50 | 23 |
Alaska
PDP Rank: 4th
MAPD Rank: N/A
Alaska does not have MAPD plans available, but the state’s selection of Part D prescription drug plans ranks highly in our report.
16% of the state’s Medicare drug plans are top-rated plans, which is 4 percentage points higher than the national average.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan beneficiaries in the state pay an average monthly premium of $37.84 for their drug coverage. This dollar amount is right around the national average, and the average PDP deductible is roughly $44 higher than the national average at $366.80.
Arizona
PDP Rank: 15th
MAPD Rank: 7th
Arizona’s MAPD premium average of $16.35 is just half of the national average and the $138.71 drug deductible is nearly $30 lower than average. Plan selection is on the high side (71) while quality is on the low end (just 38% of the plans are rated four stars or higher for plan quality).
On the PDP side, premiums that are aligned with the national average at $440.98 and deductibles that are about $7 lower at $335.63 are offset by having just 4% of plans being rated four stars or higher.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa | 1 | $15.58 | 34% | $105.44 | 52 |
| Pima | 2 | $12.21 | 34% | $121.56 | 39 |
| Pinal | 3 | $14.24 | 35% | $117.60 | 30 |
| Yavapai | 4 | $23.56 | 41% | $235.48 | 27 |
| Mohave | 5 | $27.24 | 55% | $259.58 | 18 |
Arkansas
PDP Rank: 48th
MAPD Rank: 47th
Arkansas’ average MAPD premium of $22.35 is about $11 below the national average. However, the average drug deductible of $207.36 is among the highest in the country and not a single one of the state’s 49 plans registered four stars or higher for plan quality, the only state to record a zero in this category.
Arkansas’ PDP plans however are closely aligned with national averages for premiums ($40.52) and selection (31) while the deductible of $331.77 is about $11 under the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawford | 1 | $22.68 | 30% | $196.88 | 32 |
| Carroll | 2 | $19.87 | 25% | $184.64 | 37 |
| Madison | 3 | $18.33 | 33% | $196.96 | 30 |
| Benton | 4 | $21.95 | 29% | $189.00 | 33 |
| Sebastian | 5 | $22.68 | 30% | $196.88 | 32 |
California
PDP Rank: 28th
MAPD Rank: 3rd
Only two states offer more MAPD plans than the 140 found in California. And with a $141.34 drug deductible and $20.32 average premium that are both well under the national average and a four-star quality rating of 75%, it’s easy to see why California ranked third overall for MAPD plans.
While the Golden State shined for MAPD, its PDP landscape was much more average, highlighted by $334.69 deductibles that were slightly better than average. Only 7% of plans, however, were rated four stars or higher for quality, and the average premium of $45.75 per month is on the higher side nationally.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 1 | $10.71 | 72% | $133.93 | 60 |
| Orange | 2 | $13.55 | 69% | $150.36 | 59 |
| San Bernardino | 3 | $9.29 | 71% | $152.55 | 51 |
| Riverside | 4 | $9.19 | 67% | $149.44 | 49 |
| San Diego | 5 | $14.02 | 72% | $139.15 | 50 |
Colorado
PDP Rank: 8th
MAPD Rank: 36th
Colorado’s plan selection is a bit on the thin side (49 overall) and suffers in quality (just 37% of plans are rated four stars or higher). However, the $23.02 average premium is $10 cheaper than the nationwide average and the $98.05 drug deductible is among the lowest anywhere.
On the PDP side, Colorado’s $44.03 average premium is a touch higher than those nationally, but so is the 18% of plans rated four stars or higher.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso | 1 | $14.56 | 61% | $107.08 | 28 |
| Jefferson | 2 | $26.27 | 41% | $74.14 | 33 |
| Douglas | 3 | $30.60 | 48% | $88.71 | 36 |
| Adams | 4 | $26.27 | 41% | $74.14 | 33 |
| Weld | 5 | $16.69 | 57% | $99.52 | 25 |
Connecticut
PDP Rank: 18th
MAPD Rank: 16th
MAPD shoppers in Connecticut pay for quality, as the $38.30 average premium is about $5 higher per month than the national average and the $175.36 drug deductible is around $8 higher. But 71% of the state’s plans are rated four stars or higher for quality, which is far higher than the national average of 59%. Selection remains tight at just 33 unique plans, nearly half the national average.
PDP selection shares some of the same traits with the average premium being a touch higher than they are nationally but with quality also being high. Nearly one in five plans is rated four stars or higher compared to the national average of just 12%.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex | 1 | $37.96 | 79% | $169.17 | 32 |
| Windham | 2 | $38.58 | 79% | $169.17 | 32 |
| Hartford | 3 | $37.64 | 70% | $171.33 | 32 |
| New Haven | 4 | $37.41 | 71% | $178.06 | 33 |
| Tolland | 5 | $39.29 | 68% | $157.86 | 30 |
Delaware
PDP Rank: 2nd
MAPD Rank: 9th
Delaware’s 16 different MAPD plans is among the smallest selections in the country, but it shouldn’t be held against it given the state’s low population. What else is small is the average drug deductible of just $65.12, which is the third lowest overall and the $22.80 average premium also ranks among the nation’s best.
For PDP, Delaware is actually close to the national average in selection with 27 unique plans. Premiums ($36.94) are $5 cheaper than the national average while deductibles ($361.67) are about $19 higher.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | 1 | $22.25 | 56% | $71.50 | 14 |
| Sussex | 2 | $22.25 | 56% | $71.50 | 14 |
| New Castle | 3 | $23.29 | 45% | $59.58 | 16 |
Florida
PDP Rank: 35th
MAPD Rank: 4th
With a large senior population, it’s easy to understand why Florida has such a good MAPD market. The 178 different plans are the most of any state and the $13.17 average monthly premium is the lowest in the nation. Coupled with a $110.80 drug deductible that is $57 below the national average and two out of every three plans earning four stars or higher for quality and you can see why the state ranked fourth overall for MAPD plans.
Florida doesn’t boast quite the same PDP landscape however. Selection and deductibles remain close to national averages but the $47.28 premiums are the most expensive in the U.S. and just 7% of plans are rated four stars or better.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasco | 1 | $9.09 | 64% | $94.77 | 50 |
| Miami-Dade | 2 | $10.27 | 57% | $117.16 | 48 |
| Hillsborough | 3 | $10.05 | 64% | $93.60 | 50 |
| Broward | 4 | $12.16 | 57% | $105.73 | 53 |
| Pinellas | 5 | $12.51 | 66% | $100.60 | 49 |
Georgia
PDP Rank: 43rd
MAPD Rank: 42nd
Georgia trades low MAPD premiums ($17.35) for high drug deductibles ($187.28) and low plan quality (38% rated four stars or higher). But the state’s 71 unique plans mean shoppers have plenty of options.
PDP premiums ($39.33) and deductibles ($339.22) are both a few bucks cheaper than average while the 32 different plans is among the most generous anywhere.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwinnett | 1 | $16.13 | 36% | $159.30 | 52 |
| Clayton | 2 | $16.18 | 33% | $162.80 | 50 |
| DeKalb | 3 | $16.73 | 32% | $155.49 | 50 |
| Fulton | 4 | $16.46 | 33% | $157.14 | 51 |
| Carroll | 5 | $18.79 | 70% | $196.67 | 23 |
Hawaii
PDP Rank: 1st
MAPD Rank: 12th
Hawaii’s 20 MAPD plans have some of the highest premiums ($46.71) and drug deductibles ($214.79) but also some of the highest quality, with 16 of those plans being rated four stars or higher.
The state’s PDP plans are similar, with a deductible of $360.96 being $18 higher than average but having a rate of four star plans that is six points above the national average. And the $38.52 premiums check in slightly under the national benchmark.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 1 | $39.06 | 71% | $186.36 | 15 |
| Kauai | 2 | $38.35 | 75% | $252.86 | 10 |
| Maui | 3 | $55.87 | 78% | $276.88 | 11 |
| Hawaii | 4 | $83.96 | 60% | $298.00 | 7 |
Idaho
PDP Rank: 11th
MAPD Rank: 13th
For having such a low relative population, Idaho’s selection of 53 plans is not too far off the nationwide average of 62. The $36.40 premium is about $3 higher than average but the $141.82 average drug deductible is a good $26 lower.
PDP choices are identical, with the 28 unique plans aligning with the national average of 29. Premiums ($44.56) are slightly higher while deductibles ($338.21) are slightly lower.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon | 1 | $22.30 | 71% | $125.57 | 42 |
| Ada | 2 | $22.30 | 71% | $125.57 | 42 |
| Gem | 3 | $25.28 | 65% | $118.91 | 30 |
| Boise | 4 | $30.06 | 90% | $153.08 | 18 |
| Payette | 5 | $25.40 | 62% | $112.39 | 29 |
Illinois
PDP Rank: 21st
MAPD Rank: 26th
The 40% rate of plans being scored four stars or better for quality is the only blemish on Illinois’ MAPD record. The $30.58 average premiums are a few dollars less than the national average while the average drug deductible of just $114.65 is $53 lower. And the selection of 117 unique plans is nearly twice the national average.
PDP plans are on par with national averages in terms of selection (31), premiums ($42.02) and deductibles ($342.42) while four star quality is six points higher than it is nationally.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe | 1 | $25.34 | 71% | $94.00 | 21 |
| St. Clair | 2 | $22.97 | 48% | $125.00 | 34 |
| Madison | 3 | $22.97 | 48% | $125.00 | 34 |
| Jo Daviess | 4 | $51.63 | 46% | $97.25 | 33 |
| Winnebago | 5 | $37.95 | 34% | $88.75 | 42 |
Indiana
PDP Rank: 50th
MAPD Rank: 25th
Indiana’s MAPD market reaps the benefits of fierce competition, as the state’s 82 unique plans are 20 more than the national average. And that has kept average premiums ($20.88) and drug deductibles ($145.14) low.
The same can be largely said of Indiana’s 30 PDP plans, which sport an average premium of $36.05, which are the second-lowest in the country.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen | 1 | $16.87 | 73% | $109.33 | 37 |
| Whitley | 2 | $18.86 | 72% | $121.15 | 32 |
| Marion | 3 | $18.55 | 74% | $128.83 | 37 |
| Huntington | 4 | $21.76 | 78% | $134.09 | 28 |
| Madison | 5 | $16.20 | 68% | $137.50 | 39 |
Iowa
PDP Rank: 31st
MAPD Rank: 20th
Iowa’s MAPD drug deductibles are some of the lowest anywhere, averaging just $80.75, while monthly premiums of $30.94 are also below the national average. Four out of every five plans is rated four stars or higher.
Iowa’s PDP slip slightly in quality at about 5 percentage points lower than the national average but remain on par in terms of selection (28), premiums ($42.99) and deductibles ($343.75).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | 1 | $51.28 | 90% | N/A | 18 |
| Clarke | 2 | $31.71 | 100% | N/A | 7 |
| Jackson | 3 | $52.15 | 89% | $73.18 | 19 |
| Polk | 4 | $17.49 | 80% | $65.94 | 20 |
| Des Moines | 5 | $7.20 | 100% | $37.50 | 5 |
Kansas
PDP Rank: 30th
MAPD Rank: 33rd
Kansas’ MAPD plans are some of the most affordable in the nation with premiums that average just $18.53 per month and drug deductibles averaging $100.02. The 60 unique plans is high relative to the population but quality is slightly on the lower side at a 44% rate of scoring four stars or better.
Quality is not much better for PDP selection, at about five percentage points lower than national averages for four-star ratings. But premiums ($38.24) and deductibles ($337.93) are each $3-5 cheaper than average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyandotte | 1 | $11.92 | 46% | $75.60 | 36 |
| Johnson | 2 | $20.13 | 50% | $89.50 | 42 |
| Miami | 3 | $10.57 | 58% | $105.00 | 27 |
| Douglas | 4 | $13.10 | 50% | $99.47 | 26 |
| Sedgwick | 5 | $18.15 | 41% | $87.50 | 25 |
Kentucky
PDP Rank: 27th
MAPD Rank: 32nd
MAPD shoppers in Kentucky have it good. Average premiums ($19.17) are about $14 lower than the national average while drug deductibles of $98.19 average $69 cheaper. Meanwhile, the 58 unique plans keep pace with the national average while two out of every three of those plans are rated four stars or higher for quality.
PDP premiums of $36.05 sit comfortably under the national average and the rate of four star plans is about seven percentage points better.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell | 1 | $24.43 | 52% | $98.93 | 36 |
| Kenton | 2 | $24.43 | 52% | $98.93 | 36 |
| Boone | 3 | $24.72 | 52% | $97.96 | 35 |
| Jefferson | 4 | $17.57 | 55% | $82.71 | 33 |
| Franklin | 5 | $18.30 | 57% | $99.09 | 30 |
Louisiana
PDP Rank: 41st
MAPD Rank: 27th
Louisiana’s selection of MAPD plans (44) is a bit on the small side, but made up for with premiums that average $6 less than the national average and a four-star quality rate that is 11 percentage points higher than average.
PDP deductibles that are $7 higher than the national average at $349.81 are offset by premiums that are $2 less at $39.50.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 1 | $21.88 | 59% | $150.91 | 29 |
| St. Charles | 2 | $24.03 | 62% | $150.95 | 27 |
| Orleans | 3 | $22.25 | 59% | $150.91 | 29 |
| Livingston | 4 | $21.88 | 59% | $144.09 | 29 |
| West Baton Rouge | 5 | $21.88 | 57% | $144.09 | 29 |
Maine
PDP Rank: 49th
MAPD Rank: 11th
Despite just 28 unique plans from which to choose, Maine MAPD shoppers enjoy lower-than-average premiums ($25.41) and higher-than-average quality (64% of plans are rated four stars or better).
The state has an equal number of PDP plans with premiums that average $38.64, or exactly $3 lower than the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin | 1 | $21.67 | 63% | $158.75 | 24 |
| Franklin | 2 | $27.77 | 67% | $180.45 | 26 |
| Sagadahoc | 3 | $21.67 | 65% | $158.75 | 24 |
| Kennebec | 4 | $22.71 | 63% | $183.48 | 27 |
| Waldo | 5 | $26.59 | 68% | $158.75 | 24 |
Maryland
PDP Rank: 13th
MAPD Rank: 30th
Maryland has a unique MAPD portfolio, with premiums that are nearly twice the national average and among the highest anywhere ($64.78) coupled with drug deductibles that are more than $70 cheaper than average ($96.91). And while quality is solid (65% of plans are rated four stars or higher), the state’s 22 unique plans presents one of the smallest selections.
The PDP market is nearly inversed, with premiums ($36.94) being about $5 better than the national average but deductibles ($361.67) averaging around $19 higher. Maryland is one of the few states that offers more PDP plans (27) than MAPD plans.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles | 1 | $44.25 | 75% | N/A | 6 |
| Prince George's | 2 | $61.45 | 70% | $97.78 | 13 |
| Harford | 3 | $52.29 | 60% | N/A | 9 |
| Carroll | 4 | $57.09 | 73% | $107.22 | 13 |
| Baltimore | 5 | $61.07 | 62% | $100.00 | 17 |
Massachusetts
PDP Rank: 9th
MAPD Rank: 18th
Only one state has MAPD premiums higher than the $73.43 average found in Maryland. And only a small handful of states have a higher average drug deductible than the $231.07 one found here.
However, no state comes close to rivaling the quality of plans in Massachusetts, where 93% of plans are rated four stars or higher for quality.
PDP quality is also on the higher end, with four-star ratings coming at a clip of four percentage points better than the national average. And costs are more reigned in here with an average deductible of $43.26 that is only slightly above average and a deductible of $337.78 that is actually lower than average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 1 | $68.68 | 91% | $231.45 | 40 |
| Hampden | 2 | $59.42 | 90% | $230.00 | 35 |
| Essex | 3 | $77.33 | 91% | $224.31 | 38 |
| Hampshire | 4 | $59.42 | 93% | $230.00 | 35 |
| Bristol | 5 | $68.14 | 90% | $231.90 | 37 |
Michigan
PDP Rank: 46th
MAPD Rank: 31st
The only downside of Michigan’s MAPD market is that at $57.39, the average monthly premiums are $24 higher than the national average. But aside from that, the average drug deductible of $67.52 is among the lowest in the nation (and a full $100 cheaper than the national average), there are 78 unique plans available (better than the national average of 62) and 65% of those plans are rated four stars or better for quality (above the national average of 59%).
PDP plans here are mostly in line with national averages for selection (29) and deductibles ($343.62) while premiums are a fraction below the national average at $38.57.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne | 1 | $53.86 | 74% | $48.33 | 50 |
| Oakland | 2 | $55.22 | 75% | $55.73 | 54 |
| Genesee | 3 | $49.07 | 69% | $58.52 | 49 |
| Macomb | 4 | $57.30 | 74% | $47.62 | 47 |
| Monroe | 5 | $59.09 | 79% | $52.24 | 44 |
Minnesota
PDP Rank: 34th
MAPD Rank: 39th
Minnesota has 76 unique MAPD, plans and 76% of them are rated four stars or higher for quality. However, at $64.66 per month, the state’s monthly premiums are roughly twice the national average, and the average MAPD drug deductible of $297.80 is among the five highest in the U.S.
Minnesota PDP plan costs are more in line with national averages. And with nearly one in five PDPs being rated four stars or higher by Medicare, the state also has one of the best PDPD quality plan lineups in the nation.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeker | 1 | $77.32 | 88% | $310.00 | 44 |
| McLeod | 2 | $77.56 | 88% | $310.00 | 44 |
| Kanabec | 3 | $78.38 | 89% | $308.15 | 46 |
| Le Sueur | 4 | $82.90 | 88% | $310.65 | 42 |
| Sibley | 5 | $76.21 | 84% | $313.70 | 42 |
Mississippi
PDP Rank: 25th
MAPD Rank: 41st
Mississippi has among the highest average MAPD drug deductibles in the U.S. at $294.31, yet the state's average MAPD premiums are among the lowest in the country at just $17.98 per month, or roughly half the national average. Half of Mississippi's MAPD plans are rated four stars or higher for quality.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans plans are high in quality, with 19% of plans rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare (7 percentage points higher than the national average). PDPs in Mississippis are also reasonably affordable, with the $35.60 per month average premium being $6 below the national average. At $355.74, the average PDP deductible in Mississippi is slightly higher than average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | 1 | $13.09 | 38% | $262.65 | 25 |
| Pearl River | 2 | $17.31 | 42% | $256.36 | 18 |
| Hancock | 3 | $14.75 | 36% | $273.67 | 22 |
| Leflore | 4 | $16.01 | 50% | $313.08 | 19 |
| Perry | 5 | $15.06 | 36% | $264.67 | 22 |
Missouri
PDP Rank: 29th
MAPD Rank: 29th
MAPD plans in Missouri are both plentiful (the 75 unique plans are comfortably above the national average of 62 per state) and affordable (the $18.10 per month average premium is far below the national average of $33.57 and is one of the lowest in the U.S.). The average 2021 MAPD drug deductible in Missouri is just $107.87, which is $60 lower than the national average.
Half of Missouri MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is 9 percentage points lower than the national average (59% of plans per state).
Part D Prescription Drug Plans are also low in cost, with an average premium ($39.60 per month) and average deductible ($331.03) that are both below the national average.
13% of Missouri PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is 1 percentage point higher than the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Charles | 1 | $17.91 | 60% | $95.18 | 36 |
| St. Louis | 2 | $17.91 | 58% | $95.18 | 36 |
| St. Louis City | 3 | $17.91 | 58% | $95.18 | 36 |
| Jefferson | 4 | $21.00 | 60% | $107.08 | 31 |
| Webster | 5 | $12.38 | 44% | $96.60 | 32 |
Montana
PDP Rank: 17th
MAPD Rank: 48th
Montana Part D Prescription Drug Plans are relatively affordable, but they weren't rated highly by Medicare for quality.
The average PDP premium in Montana is $42.99, and the average PDP deductible is $343.75. Both of these figures are within $1 of the respective national averages. Despite these affordable costs, only 7% of Montana PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
The state's MAPD plans rated higher for quality, but they typically come with a higher price.
69% of MAPD plans in the state were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is above the national average of 59% of plans per state. The average MAPD premium, however, is $13 higher than the national average, at $46.36. The average MAPD drug deductible is also relatively high in 2021, at $350.26 ($223 higher than the national average).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone | 1 | $35.88 | 88% | $324.17 | 10 |
| Missoula | 2 | $38.78 | 83% | $320.71 | 11 |
| Stillwater | 3 | $24.50 | 75% | $333.33 | 6 |
| Fergus | 4 | $24.50 | 75% | $333.33 | 6 |
| Mineral | 5 | $26.60 | 75% | $306.25 | 7 |
Nebraska
PDP Rank: 19th
MAPD Rank: 43rd
Nebraska's Part D Prescription Drug Plans are relatively affordable in 2021, with an average PDP premium of $42.99 per month and an average PDP deductible of $343.75, both of which are within $1 of the respective national averages.
16% of PDPs in Nebraska were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is slightly higher than the national average of 12% of plans per state that receive this top rating.
The average MAPD plan premium in Nebraska is $20.41 in 2021 ($13 lower than the national average), and the average MAPD drug deductible is $157.53 ($10 lower than the national average).
In terms of quality, 51% of the state's MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fillmore | 1 | $37.75 | 75% | $85.71 | 12 |
| Howard | 2 | $27.82 | 75% | $85.71 | 11 |
| Sherman | 3 | $31.54 | 71% | $111.88 | 13 |
| Custer | 4 | $27.82 | 71% | $85.71 | 11 |
| Kearney | 5 | $31.54 | 67% | $111.88 | 13 |
Nevada
PDP Rank: 3rd
MAPD Rank: 2nd
Nevada ranked highly in our report, both for MAPD plans and for Part D Prescription Drug Plans. This is largely due to a combination of relatively low plan costs and high plan ratings for quality.
The average PDP premium in Nevada is $38.17 in 2021 ($3 lower than the national average), and the average PDP deductible is $349.83 ($7 higher than the national average).
23% of the state's PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is well above the national average of 12% of plans per state.
Nevada's MAPD plans were similarly rated highly overall by Medicare, with 64% of plans rated 4 stars or higher for quality (the national average is 59%).
The average MAPD plan premium is $11.58 in 2021, which is well below the national average of $33 per month. The average MAPD drug deductible is also low, at $128.83 (roughly $40 lower than the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nye | 1 | $12.34 | 80% | $116.92 | 30 |
| Clark | 2 | $10.68 | 62% | $132.97 | 41 |
| Washoe | 3 | $15.00 | 63% | $135.28 | 22 |
| Carson City | 4 | $20.74 | 60% | $66.25 | 15 |
| Churchill | 5 | $14.60 | 50% | N/A | 7 |
New Hampshire
PDP Rank: 6th
MAPD Rank: 21st
New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 states for Part D Prescription Drug Plans. The average PDP premium in the state is $38.64 per month, and the average PDP deductible is $340.89. Both of these figures are within about $3 of the respective national average.
17% of the state's PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher for quality by Medicare, which is above the national average (12%).
The average MAPD premium in New Hampshire is $30.68 per month in 2021, which is roughly $3 higher than the national average. The average MAPD drug deductible is $232.49, which is well above the national average of $167.
61% of New Hampshire MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is roughly on par with the national average (59%).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belknap | 1 | $33.39 | 77% | $218.80 | 30 |
| Coos | 2 | $33.22 | 80% | $227.50 | 31 |
| Merrimack | 3 | $30.11 | 72% | $235.56 | 32 |
| Grafton | 4 | $33.24 | 74% | $227.50 | 31 |
| Sullivan | 5 | $31.13 | 77% | $224.05 | 26 |
New Jersey
PDP Rank: 36th
MAPD Rank: 5th
New Jersey PDP plans weren't rated very highly by Medicare, with only 6% of plans being rated 4 stars or higher for quality.
The average PDP premium in New Jersey is $44.98 per month in 2021 ($3 higher than the national average), and the average PDP deductible is $339.33 ($3 lower than the national average).
The state's MAPD plans were rated much higher for quality, with 71% of plans rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare. That fact is a large reason for the state ranking in the top 5 states for MAPD plans.
The average MAPD premium in New Jersey is $25.12 per month in 2021, which is roughly $8 lower than the national average. The average MAPD drug deductible in 2021 is $198.18, which is $31 higher than the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monmouth | 1 | $24.99 | 73% | $199.29 | 39 |
| Union | 2 | $26.67 | 63% | $212.70 | 42 |
| Burlington | 3 | $27.64 | 73% | $176.11 | 31 |
| Mercer | 4 | $25.85 | 68% | $199.33 | 34 |
| Hunterdon | 5 | $25.49 | 91% | $232.27 | 25 |
New Mexico
PDP Rank: 32nd
MAPD Rank: 40th
The average PDP premium in New Mexico is $44.14 per month in 2021, which is only $3 higher than the national average. The average PDP deductible is the same as the national average, at $342. Only 12% of plans in the state were rated 4 stars or higher for quality by Medicare.
The average MAPD premium in the state is $28.11 per month, which is around $5 lower than the national average. The average MAPD drug deductible, however, is roughly $70 higher than the national average, at $235.15. And only 29% of MAPD plans in New Mexico were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is well below the national average for plan quality (59% of plans).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo | 1 | $22.82 | 29% | $205.00 | 32 |
| Sandoval | 2 | $23.29 | 29% | $203.41 | 30 |
| Valencia | 3 | $26.31 | 29% | $197.63 | 26 |
| Torrance | 4 | $28.70 | 33% | $194.41 | 24 |
| Dona Ana | 5 | $26.87 | 50% | $289.17 | 18 |
New York
PDP Rank: 44th
MAPD Rank: 35th
New York Part D Prescription Drug Plans feature an average premium of $45.03 per month ($4 higher than the national average) and an average deductible of $330.18 ($12 lower than the national average). Only 7% of New York PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare for quality.
The average MAPD plan premium in New York is $40.36 per month in 2021 ($7 higher than the national average), and the average plan drug deductible is $233.64 (roughly $70 higher than the national average.
In terms of quality, 52% of MAPD plans in the state of New York were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chautauqua | 1 | $50.26 | 84% | $148.47 | 46 |
| Madison | 2 | $41.27 | 78% | $122.58 | 41 |
| Cattaraugus | 3 | $47.34 | 78% | $152.37 | 49 |
| Genesee | 4 | $59.86 | 83% | $150.30 | 41 |
| Montgomery | 5 | $45.79 | 73% | $173.75 | 51 |
North Carolina
PDP Rank: 37th
MAPD Rank: 24th
The average MAPD plan premium in North Carolina is only $19.47 per month in 2021, which is well below the national average of $33. The average MAPD drug coverage deductible is also relatively low at $145.18 (the national average is $167.31.
67% of MAPD plans in North Carolina were rated 4 stars or higher for quality by Medicare.
The state's Part D Prescription Drug Plans are fairly affordable. The average PDP premium in North Carolina is $41.27 per month in 2021, and the average deductible is $341.77. Both of these figures are very close to the national averages.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guilford | 1 | $13.38 | 72% | $120.00 | 34 |
| Davidson | 2 | $18.12 | 74% | $105.26 | 27 |
| Forsyth | 3 | $18.12 | 70% | $100.00 | 27 |
| Randolph | 4 | $17.14 | 75% | $123.82 | 24 |
| Rockingham | 5 | $17.95 | 75% | $131.56 | 23 |
North Dakota
PDP Rank: 5th
MAPD Rank: 46th
North Dakota ranks in the top 5 for Part D Prescription Drug Plans. The average PDP premium in 2021 is $42.99 per month, and the average PDP deductible is $343.75, both of which are right on par with the national averages.
17% of the state's PDPs were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare for quality, which is higher than the national average (12%).
The state ranked much lower for MAPD plans, however. The average MAPD premium in North Dakota is $76.33 in 2021, which is $43 higher than the national average. The average MAPD drug deductible is $369.17, which is nearly $200 higher than the national average.
Despite these higher costs, 75% of MAPD plans in North Dakota were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is well above the national average of 59% of plans.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stutsman | 1 | $76.79 | 94% | $337.78 | 20 |
| Morton | 2 | $60.57 | 79% | $308.00 | 27 |
| Richland | 3 | $76.79 | 94% | $337.78 | 20 |
| Cass | 4 | $60.57 | 79% | $308.00 | 27 |
| Burleigh | 5 | $61.89 | 75% | $314.69 | 28 |
Ohio
PDP Rank: 23rd
MAPD Rank: 8th
Ohio is home to 124 MAPD plans in 2021, with an average MAPD premium of $45.03 per month ($12 higher than the national average) and an average drug deductible of $114.04 ($23 lower than the national average).
Along with relative affordability and high plan availability, Ohio MAPD plans rank well for quality. Over 70% of MAPD plans in the Buckeye State are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is well above the national average of 59%. For these reasons, Ohio is among the top 10 states for MAPD plan consumers.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans in Ohio are also fairly affordable in 2021. The average PDP premium is $37.79 per month ($4 lower than the national average), and the average PDP deductible is $352 ($10 higher than the national average).
Ohio PDP options are also highly rated for quality, with 16% of all plans rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
Akron and Summit County are home to the best MAPD market in the state, with 77 available plans in 2021 and low average plan premiums and deductibles. Nearby Stark County, home of Canton, has a similarly strong MAPD market.
Cleveland and Cuyahoga County came in third out of all counties in Ohio, based on affordable plans with overall high quality ratings from Medicare.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit | 1 | $36.98 | 71% | $112.62 | 77 |
| Stark | 2 | $41.63 | 74% | $108.21 | 66 |
| Cuyahoga | 3 | $36.13 | 72% | $117.46 | 71 |
| Medina | 4 | $38.98 | 71% | $118.00 | 70 |
| Lorain | 5 | $35.23 | 73% | $115.09 | 65 |
Oklahoma
PDP Rank: 47th
MAPD Rank: 34th
Oklahoma only offers 44 MAPD plans, which is lower than the national average of 62 plans per state. The Sooner State's plans are fairly affordable, however, with an average MAPD premium of $21.17 per month in 2021 (the national average is $33 per month) and an average drug coverage deductible of $128.21 for the year (the national average is $167).
One factor keeping Oklahoma lower on our list of state rankings for MAPD plans is overall plan quality. Only 28% of MAPD plans in Oklahoma were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is well below the national average of 59%.
The state's Part D Prescription Drug Plans feature an average premium of $39.62 per month ($2 lower than the national average) an an average deductible of $363.67 (roughly $20 higher than the national average).
Tulsa County is the top county in the state for MAPD plans in 2021, with fairly low average drug deductibles and premiums as well as a wide selection of available plans.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | 1 | $21.49 | 27% | $94.32 | 32 |
| Okmulgee | 2 | $23.06 | 37% | $103.75 | 28 |
| Creek | 3 | $17.77 | 25% | $85.00 | 29 |
| Rogers | 4 | $18.12 | 35% | $93.95 | 26 |
| Wagoner | 5 | $22.31 | 20% | $90.00 | 31 |
Oregon
PDP Rank: 22nd
MAPD Rank: 19th
Part D Prescription Drug Plans are reasonably affordable in Oregon. The average PDP premium in 2021 is $42.74, which is only $1 higher than the national average. The average PDP deductible is equal to the national average, at $342.93 for the year.
2021 MAPD plans in Oregon are similarly affordable, with an average MAPD premium of $48.32 per month (roughly $15 higher than the national average), and an average drug coverage deductible of $154.02 for the year ($13 lower than the national average).
Over 64% of MAPD plans in Oregon are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is higher than the national average (59% of plans) and is a big reason that Oregon ranks in the top 20 states for MAPD plans.
Portland and Multnomah County ranked third among Oregon’s best counties for MAPD plans, with high overall plan quality, high plan availability and fairly affordable premiums and drug deductibles.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas | 1 | $41.55 | 69% | $134.69 | 42 |
| Washington | 2 | $41.55 | 69% | $134.69 | 42 |
| Multnomah | 3 | $45.44 | 69% | $140.30 | 43 |
| Marion | 4 | $51.27 | 74% | $129.07 | 35 |
| Polk | 5 | $51.27 | 73% | $129.07 | 35 |
Pennsylvania
PDP Rank: 38th
MAPD Rank: 6th
Pennsylvania MAPD plans ranked inside the top 10 largely due to very low drug coverage deductibles and high plan quality.
The average MAPD drug coverage deductible in 2021 is just $34.01 for the year, which is $130 lower than the national average. And over 72% of Pennsylvania MAPD plans are considered top-rated (rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare).
The average monthly premium for an MAPD plan in Pennsylvania in 2021 is $52.70, which is almost $20 higher than the national average of $33.57 per month.
The Keystone State’s Part D Prescription Drug Plans weren't rated as highly by Medicare, with only 6.9% of plans being rated 4 stars or higher.
The average PDP premium in Pennsylvania is $46.68 per month in 2021, which is roughly $5 higher than the national average. The average PDP deductible in the state is $328.94 (the national average is roughly $342).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dauphin | 1 | $42.07 | 73% | $26.98 | 65 |
| Lebanon | 2 | $44.09 | 75% | $30.19 | 65 |
| Lancaster | 3 | $43.66 | 74% | $26.98 | 65 |
| Cumberland | 4 | $42.84 | 74% | $28.04 | 63 |
| York | 5 | $45.35 | 79% | $28.67 | 60 |
Rhode Island
PDP Rank: 14th
MAPD Rank: 1st
Rhode Island earned the highest ranking for MAPD plans in our report, largely due to a high selection of plans, high quality ratings and reasonably low out of pocket costs for consumers.
The average MAPD premium in Rhode Island in 2021 is $42.50 per month (the national average is $33 per month), and the average MAPD drug coverage deductible in the state is only $60.63 for the year, which is more than $100 less expensive than the national average. 69% of MAPD plans in the state were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans in Rhode Island are also fairly affordable in 2021. The average PDP premium is $43.26 per month ($2 higher than the national average), and the average deductible is $337.78 for the year ($5 less than the national average).
Providence is home to the highest percentage of top-rated plans, based on Medicare's Star Ratings, which is one major reason why Providence County is the top in the state for MAPD plans.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 1 | $42.50 | 69% | $60.63 | 20 |
| Kent | 2 | $42.50 | 69% | $60.63 | 20 |
| Bristol | 3 | $42.50 | 69% | $60.63 | 20 |
| Washington | 4 | $42.50 | 69% | $60.63 | 20 |
| Newport | 5 | $42.50 | 69% | $138.75 | 20 |
South Carolina
PDP Rank: 33rd
MAPD Rank: 23rd
The average MAPD premium in South Carolina in 2021 is $15.02 per month, which is less than half the national average of $33 per month. MAPD drug coverage deductibles are roughly $13 lower than the national average, at $154.57 for the year.
41% of South Carolina MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare. On average, 59% of plans in every state receive this top rating.
13% of South Carolina Part D Prescription Drug Plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is just above the national average. The average PDP premium is $46.58 per month ($5 higher than the national average), and the average PDP deductible is $339.66 for the year (roughly $3 lower than the national average).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allendale | 1 | $15.51 | 71% | $137.75 | 28 |
| Hampton | 2 | $14.08 | 65% | $131.46 | 32 |
| Marion | 3 | $13.38 | 69% | $155.00 | 30 |
| Barnwell | 4 | $15.99 | 71% | $158.16 | 27 |
| Bamberg | 5 | $18.64 | 67% | $169.50 | 28 |
South Dakota
PDP Rank: 33rd
MAPD Rank: 45th
MAPD plans in South Dakota feature an average monthly premium and an average drug coverage deductible that are both well above the national average. In 2021, the average MAPD plan premium is $70.19 per month ($26 higher than the national average), and the average drug deductible is $326.05 for the year (nearly $160 higher than the national average.
Over 72% of MAPD plans in the state are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which means that while the average plan prices are high, the typical plan quality is strong.
South Dakota PDP options are more affordable overall, with an average monthly premium of $42.99 and an average deductible of $343.75, both of which are within $1 of the respective national average for each category. Only 7% of PDP options in the state were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
The average Sioux Falls MAPD plan premium is about $13 cheaper than the state average, and drug deductibles are almost $100 less than the state average. Minnehaha County ranks as the best county in South Dakota for MAPD plans largely due to these low costs and high plan quality.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnehaha | 1 | $57.59 | 76% | $259.29 | 26 |
| Lincoln | 2 | $61.10 | 75% | $260.83 | 24 |
| Turner | 3 | $65.42 | 78% | $295.42 | 24 |
| Brookings | 4 | $64.01 | 82% | $284.55 | 23 |
| Deuel | 5 | $71.96 | 88% | $354.50 | 22 |
Tennessee
PDP Rank: 42nd
MAPD Rank: 28nd
Tennessee MAPD plans are fairly affordable in 2021, with an average plan premium of $25.03 ($12 lower than the national average) per month and drug coverage deductibles of $123.66 for the year (the national average is $167 per year).
Only 59% of MAPD plans in Tennessee, however, were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare. The national average is 59% of plans in each state receiving this top rating.
Tennessee Part D Prescription Drug Plan plan costs are fairly low, with an average monthly premium of $43.79 and an average deductible of $244.06 for the year. Both of these figures are within $2 of the respective national average in each category.
Only 7% of Tennessee PDP options were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 1 | $27.06 | 88% | $95.00 | 30 |
| Hawkins | 2 | $22.27 | 71% | $108.89 | 23 |
| Sumner | 3 | $23.14 | 68% | $148.33 | 39 |
| Bradley | 4 | $27.95 | 71% | $110.20 | 31 |
| Union | 5 | $27.62 | 67% | $116.14 | 28 |
Texas
PDP Rank: 16th
MAPD Rank: 44th
The average Texas PDP deductible ($342.71 for the year) and average plan premium ($42.44 per month) are roughly in line with national averages, and 19% of Texas PDP plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
Texas MAPD plans are also fairly affordable, with an average premium of $21.52 per per month, which is about $12 lower than the national average. 2021 MAPD plans in Texas feature drug coverage deductibles that are a bit higher than average, at $191.58 (the national average is $167 for the year).
Fewer than 47% of the states MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is a major reason why the state ranked lower for overall MAPD plans.
The biggest city in Texas is Houston, and that’s also where you’ll find a good mix of affordable MAPD plans that are rated highly by Medicare.
Dallas MAPD plans feature an average premium of around $19 per month, and El Paso MAPD plans feature an even lower average monthly premium, at $10.65.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris | 1 | $18.86 | 36% | $169.88 | 55 |
| El Paso | 2 | $10.65 | 24% | $166.83 | 38 |
| Fort Bend | 3 | $15.15 | 32% | $168.21 | 48 |
| Tarrant | 4 | $21.24 | 35% | $166.94 | 45 |
| Dallas | 5 | $19.03 | 33% | $174.62 | 50 |
Utah
PDP Rank: 26th
MAPD Rank: 10th
80% of Utah’s MAPD plans are rated 4 stars or higher for quality by Medicare, which is well above the national average of 59% of plans. 2021 MAPD plans in Utah also feature low monthly premiums (the average is roughly $24 lower than the national average, at $19.15 per month) and low drug coverage deductibles ($156.89 per year, which is around $10 lower than the national average).
Only 7% of Utah Part D Prescription Drug Plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is lower than the national average. Featuring 28 available plans, however, may give Utah Medicare shoppers some options.
The average PDP premium in Utah is $44.56 per month in 2021, and the average deductible is $338.21. Both of these figures are very much in line with the respective national averages.
Salt Lake County, home to Utah’s two biggest cities of Salt Lake City and West Valley City, features an average MAPD premium of $24.23 per month, and nearly 4 out of every 5 plans are rated 4 stars or higher for quality by Medicare.
Beneficiaries in neighboring Utah County have similar overall MAPD options and costs.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake | 1 | $17.96 | 79% | $149.50 | 25 |
| Utah | 2 | $18.12 | 79% | $141.39 | 23 |
| Weber | 3 | $18.12 | 79% | $141.39 | 23 |
| Davis | 4 | $18.12 | 79% | $141.39 | 23 |
| Cache | 5 | $15.90 | 70% | $182.92 | 16 |
Vermont
PDP Rank: 7th
MAPD Rank: 22nd
Vermont has a wide selection of high-quality PDP plans. Vermont's MAPD plans are also generally affordable and above average in quality in 2021, but without the same generous selection.
Vermont has 29 available PDP plans in 2021, with is the same number as many states with far higher populations. And the average PDP premium ($43.26 per month, which is $2 lower than the national average) coupled with high quality (19% of plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare) make for a competitive market.
Vermont’s MAPD choices are not as plentiful, with just 23 available plans. The average MAPD premium in 2021 is $41.27 (around $8 higher than the national average), and the average MAPD drug coverage deductible is $169.15 for the year, which is very close to the national average.
69% of Vermont MAPD plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare. On average, only 59% of plans in most states receive this top rating.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 1 | $34.06 | 82% | $172.75 | 23 |
| Addison | 2 | $38.36 | 82% | $168.24 | 19 |
| Windsor | 3 | $38.36 | 82% | $168.24 | 19 |
| Bennington | 4 | $38.36 | 82% | $168.24 | 19 |
| Rutland | 5 | $38.36 | 82% | $168.24 | 19 |
Virginia
PDP Rank: 40th
MAPD Rank: 38th
The average MAPD premium in Virginia is $23.18 in 2021 ($10 lower than the national average), and the average MAPD drug coverage deductible is $176.80 for the year (the national average is $167.31 per year).
There are 69 MAPD plans available in Virginia in 2021, with 59% of plans rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare. Both of these figures are very close to the respective national averages.
2021 Virginia Part D Prescription Drug Plans feature an average premium of $37.29 per month (about $4 lower than the national average), and the average PDP deductible in Virginia is $349 for the year, which is around $6 higher than the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott | 1 | $21.76 | 100% | $82.27 | 15 |
| Norton City | 2 | $23.31 | 100% | $90.50 | 14 |
| Wise | 3 | $22.78 | 85% | $151.43 | 18 |
| Lee | 4 | $25.43 | 82% | $122.73 | 15 |
| Dickenson | 5 | $25.43 | 82% | $122.73 | 15 |
Washington
PDP Rank: 12th
MAPD Rank: 14th
Washington ranked fairly highly in our report, due in part to having a high number of available plans that are generally rated well for quality by Medicare.
While the average MAPD premium in Washington is $41.10 per month (around $8 higher than the national average), the average MAPD drug coverage deductible is $30 lower than the national average at $138.20 for the year. Also, there are 118 MAPD plans available in Washington (the average is 62 per state), and nearly 70% of all MAPD plans in Washington are ranked 4 stars or higher by Medicare (the average is 59% of plans in each state).
Washington Prescription Drug Plan costs are fairly in line with national averages, with premiums of $42.74 per month and deductibles of $342.93 for the year. The state features 29 PDP options in 2021 (which is exactly the national average), and 17% of the state's PDPs are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark | 1 | $39.25 | 79% | $121.86 | 42 |
| Snohomish | 2 | $40.26 | 60% | $135.00 | 49 |
| Pierce | 3 | $41.53 | 60% | $126.83 | 50 |
| Spokane | 4 | $26.57 | 74% | $150.43 | 29 |
| King | 5 | $40.71 | 59% | $135.26 | 47 |
West Virginia
PDP Rank: 45th
MAPD Rank: 37th
In West Virginia, the average MAPD plan premium is $32.23 per month ($1 lower than the national average), and the average PDP premium is $46.68 ($5 higher than the national average.
Average MAPD and PDP deductibles were both lower than the respective national average, with an average MAPD drug coverage deductible of $110.38 per year (the national average is $167), and the average PDP deductible is $328.94 (the national average is $342).
Only 30% of the state's MAPD plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, while the national average is much higher at 59% of plans in each state receiving this top rating. There are also only 34 available MAPD plans in 2021, which is far shy of the average 62 plans per state across the rest of the nation.
13% of West Virginia Prescription Drug Plans are rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, which is roughly in line with the national average.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | 1 | $25.96 | 32% | $108.53 | 25 |
| Lincoln | 2 | $28.23 | 32% | $87.35 | 24 |
| Clay | 3 | $27.05 | 28% | $108.53 | 25 |
| Putnam | 4 | $31.56 | 27% | $97.11 | 27 |
| Kanawha | 5 | $31.56 | 26% | $97.11 | 27 |
Wisconsin
PDP Rank: 24th
MAPD Rank: 15th
MAPD and PDP plans in Wisconsin rank fairly closely to the national averages in terms of affordability, availability and quality.
The state's average MAPD plan premium in 2021 is $45.39 per month ($12 higher than the national average), and the average MAPD drug coverage deductible is $247.95 for the year (around $80 higher than the national average.
2021 PDP plans in Wisconsin feature an average premium of $44.29 per month (the national average is $41), and the average PDP deductible is $324.35 for the year, which is around $18 higher than the national average.
89% of Wisconsin MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare, while 13% of the state's PDP plans received the same top rating. There are 31 PDP plans and 100 MAPD plans available in Wisconsin in 2021, both of which are well above the national averages of available plans per state.
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown | 1 | $39.82 | 83% | $230.67 | 42 |
| Winnebago | 2 | $37.97 | 79% | $238.21 | 38 |
| Outagamie | 3 | $38.28 | 81% | $248.80 | 34 |
| Kewaunee | 4 | $42.81 | 83% | $229.79 | 34 |
| Waushara | 5 | $49.32 | 82% | $236.80 | 36 |
Wyoming
PDP Rank: 10th
MAPD Rank: 49th
Wyoming's PDP insurance market is more in line with national averages than the state's MAPD plans. In 2021, the average PDP premium is $42.99 per month and the average deductible is $343.75 for the year, both of which are within a dollar of the respective national average. There are 28 Part D Prescription Drug Plans available in 2021, which is nearly identical to the national average of 29 plans per state.
2021 MAPD plans in Wyoming scored much lower on our report. The average MAPD premium in the state is $52.26 per month, which is roughly $20 higher than the national average. The average MAPD drug deductible in Wyoming was around $100 higher than the national average, at $276.17 for the year.
In terms of quality, only 20% of Wyoming MAPD plans were rated 4 stars or higher by Medicare in 2020 (the national average is 59%), and only 8% of PDP plans received the same top rating (the national average is 12% of top-rated PDP plans per state).
| County | Overall Rank | Average Premium | Percent of Plans Rated 4 Stars or Higher | Average Drug Deductible | # Plans Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uinta | 1 | $54.00 | 33% | $150.00 | 4 |
| Weston | 2 | $52.00 | N/A | $295.00 | 4 |
| Albany | 3 | $52.00 | N/A | $295.00 | 4 |
| Fremont | 4 | $52.00 | N/A | $295.00 | 4 |
| Natrona | 5 | $52.00 | N/A | $295.00 | 4 |
Methodology
This project used data provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The following files were used for analysis:
- 2021 MA Landscape Source Files (v09 08 20)
- 2021 PDP Landscape Source Files (v09 08 20)
- MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract
- PDP Enrollment by State/County/Contract
- MA State/County Penetration
- PDP State/County Penetration
State rankings were determined by four metrics: Affordability, Availability, Popularity, and Quality. Each metric was ranked according to a 100 point scale. Better performing states had higher point totals, and worse performing states had lower point totals. To calculate the final state ranking, the final point values for each of the 4 metrics were added together.
To calculate the affordability score, three weighted variables were used: average annual drug deductible, average monthly premium and average max in-network out-of-pocket spending amount. All three variables were weighted to May 2021 figures. All three point values were averaged and weighted by 0.4. Affordability was weighted heavier than the other three metrics because of the importance of cost considerations for many seniors on fixed incomes and because of the wide variance in plan costs nationwide.
To calculate the availability score, the following calculation was used: total number of available plans per state/total number of counties with MA or PDP plans = total number of available plans per county. This point value was weighted by 0.2.
To calculate the popularity score, two variables were used: percent change in enrollment from 2020 to 2021 and average penetration per state. To calculate the percent change in enrollment, the following calculation was used: (2021 enrollment-2020 enrollment)/(2020 enrollment)*100. Both point values were averaged and weighted by 0.2.
To calculate the quality score, we determined the percentage of total MA or PDP plans in each state that are rated four stars or higher. This point value was weighted by 0.2.
1 Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Please note that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not release the 2021 Star Ratings before we conducted our analysis. We used 2020 Star Ratings in their place. All other data is for plan year 2021.
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