Medicare in Maryland: 2025 Guide

Maryland has approximately 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries, with Medicare Advantage plans enrolling around 50% of the market. The Baltimore metro area and the Washington, D.C. suburbs are among the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country, with 50 or more plans available in some counties. Maryland also operates the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program (MPAP), a state pharmaceutical assistance program for low-income residents, and expanded Medicaid provides additional support for dual-eligible beneficiaries.

Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland

Maryland's Medicare Advantage market is one of the most robust in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Baltimore metropolitan area and the Washington, D.C. suburbs — including Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties — typically offer 50 or more Medicare Advantage plans, making these among the most plan-rich markets in the eastern United States. Major carriers active in Maryland include UnitedHealth, Humana, Kaiser Permanente (which has a large, long-established HMO presence in the Maryland/D.C. region), and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Kaiser Permanente's integrated care model is particularly well-regarded in Maryland's suburban markets, offering coordinated care through its own network of facilities and physicians.

Plan options decrease as you move toward Maryland's Eastern Shore, western Maryland, and rural areas. Counties such as Garrett, Allegany, and some Eastern Shore counties have fewer plan choices, and beneficiaries there should carefully review network adequacy before enrolling in an HMO that restricts out-of-network care. PPO plans may offer more flexibility for rural Marylanders who need access to specialists in Baltimore or Washington. The competitive urban and suburban Maryland market means that many plans offer $0 premiums with rich supplemental benefits — dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and transportation — but the value of any plan depends heavily on an individual's medications, providers, and health needs. Maryland SHIP counselors can provide free, personalized guidance.

Maryland has expanded Medicaid (Maryland Medicaid/Maryland HealthChoice), increasing dual-eligible populations and the availability of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits for qualifying low-income beneficiaries.

Medicare Savings Programs in Maryland

Maryland's Medicare Savings Programs are administered through the Maryland Department of Health's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program. The QMB, SLMB, and QI programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay Part A and/or Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. Maryland's Medicaid expansion means that more residents may qualify for full dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage under Maryland HealthChoice, providing broader cost protection including long-term care services. Maryland also has a relatively generous income eligibility threshold for its QI program, meaning some Marylanders above standard federal poverty guidelines may still qualify for assistance.

To apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Maryland, contact the Maryland Department of Human Services or your local Department of Social Services office. MSP enrollment automatically triggers Extra Help for Part D drug costs. Maryland SHIP counselors can assist with applications and identify all available savings programs for which a beneficiary may be eligible, including MPAP (described below).

State Pharmaceutical Assistance in Maryland

Maryland operates the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program (MPAP), a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program that provides prescription drug cost assistance for eligible low-income Maryland residents. MPAP is income-based and designed to supplement Medicare Part D coverage, helping beneficiaries in the coverage gap or with high drug costs. Eligibility and benefit levels are subject to annual review, and income limits apply. Maryland beneficiaries who do not qualify for MPAP or need additional assistance should also apply for the federal Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program. Maryland SHIP counselors can help determine MPAP eligibility, assist with the application, and identify other drug assistance resources available to Marylanders.

Getting Free Medicare Help in Maryland

Maryland SHIP — the State Health Insurance Assistance Program — provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to all Maryland residents. Administered through the Maryland Department of Aging, SHIP offers one-on-one counseling from trained volunteers who help beneficiaries compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans; apply for Medicare Savings Programs, MPAP, and Extra Help; understand dual-eligible benefits; and resolve billing disputes or Medicare errors. With one of the most competitive Medicare markets in the country, having a knowledgeable SHIP counselor to help sort through dozens of plan options is especially valuable in Maryland.

To reach Maryland SHIP, call 1-800-243-3425. Local SHIP counseling sites are available throughout Maryland, including in Baltimore, the DC suburbs, and on the Eastern Shore. SHIP is especially active during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), offering plan comparison events and one-on-one appointments to help Marylanders make informed coverage decisions for the year ahead.