What is the best state to live in for Medicare?

There isn't one single "best" state for Medicare benefits, as it depends on what you prioritize (e.g., access, cost, plan quality), but recent reports often highlight Vermont, Utah, and Minnesota for overall strong performance in access, affordability, and quality, while states like Montana, Wyoming, and West Virginia show high percentages of highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans. Your experience hinges on factors like provider availability, plan options (Original Medicare vs. Advantage), and prescription drug coverage, which vary significantly by location.

Which state has the best Medicare benefits?

Vermont, Utah and Minnesota topped the Commonwealth Fund's Medicare performance scorecard in 2025, whereas Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana struggled the most.

Does Medicare matter in what state you live in?

If you move anywhere within the United States, you won't lose your original Medicare coverage as long as your new health care facility, doctor or other provider accepts Medicare.

What is the best state to live in for healthcare?

Iowa, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Rhode Island top the national rankings for overall health care experience. In the West Health–Gallup analysis, residents in these states report better overall experiences, particularly in their ability to afford, access and receive quality care when and where they need it.

What states have Medicare advantages?

Medicare Advantage + Medicare supplement states (21 states + DC): AR, CA, FL, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, TX, WA, WI. Medicare Advantage only states: AL, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IL, KY, ME, MI, MO, NH, PA, WV.

The 5 BEST States in the America for Medicare Supplement Plans | Medigap

Can I use my Medicare in any state?

Key Takeaways

Original Medicare covers hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states and its territories, as long as providers accept Medicare. Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage?

People leave Medicare Advantage (MA) plans due to difficulty accessing care (like seeing preferred doctors or getting approvals), dissatisfaction with plan quality, network restrictions, high out-of-pocket costs when needs increase, and frequent changes to benefits and providers, often becoming more pronounced as their health declines and they need more complex care, leading to frustration and feeling "trapped". 

Which state in Australia has the best healthcare?

Here are the healthiest states and territories in Australia:

• Victoria (78.63)
• ACT (67.24)
• New South Wales (64.66)
• South Australia (58.00)
• Western Australia (39.02)
• Tasmania (37.91)
• Northern Territory (28.97)
• Queensland (23.92)

Which states give free healthcare?

• California. State offers public health coverage to all adults regardless of immigration status if enrolled by Jan 1, 2026.
• Colorado. State offers private health coverage with state subsidies to all adults regardless of immigration status.
• Illinois. ...
• Minnesota. ...
• New york. ...
• Oregon. ...
• Washington. ...
• District of columbia.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as different studies rank states differently, but Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Jersey frequently appear at the top for quality of life, with Vermont leading in CNBC's metrics (health, environment, inclusion), Massachusetts in WalletHub's overall rankings (healthcare, education), and New Jersey praised for safety and health. States like Minnesota, Idaho, and Utah also consistently rank high, emphasizing factors like strong economies, environments, and community well-being. 

What happens to my Medicare if I move to a different state?

Medicare Part A and Part B will always travel with you. But for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and Part D prescription drug plans, you may lose your existing plan and need to enroll in a new one. You do have some options here though. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse companies or products.

What are the 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare doesn't cover major out-of-pocket expenses like dental care, routine vision/hearing care, long-term care, cosmetic surgery, and most prescription drugs (without Part D). It also skips acupuncture, most chiropractic, and care outside the U.S., requiring supplemental plans or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for these gaps.
 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, leading to lifelong penalties; failing to compare plans annually, causing overspending; assuming coverage includes everything (like long-term care); not getting a Part D drug plan or Medigap policy when needed; and ignoring the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for Medicare Advantage plans, says AARP, UnitedHealthcare, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA). People also err by not understanding the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, delaying enrollment to avoid paying premiums, or assuming their spouse is automatically covered. 

Is Medicare good out of state?

Yes, you can use Medicare out of state across the U.S., especially with Original Medicare (Parts A & B), which covers you anywhere a provider accepts it; however, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D (prescription drugs) have varying networks and may cost more or require in-network providers, so check your specific plan details before traveling. 

What Medicare plan pays 100%?

**For Plans K and L, after you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible ($257 in 2025) ($283 in 2026), the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

What happens if you can't afford healthcare in America?

If you can't afford healthcare in America, you risk significant medical debt, worsening health from delaying care, and potential financial ruin, but government programs (Medicaid, CHIP, ACA subsidies) and community resources (clinics, hospital charity care, payment plans) offer pathways to free or low-cost coverage and assistance, though gaps remain. 

Which US state is #1 in healthcare?

There's no single "first" state, as rankings vary by source and criteria, but Hawaii and Massachusetts consistently rank at or near the top for overall healthcare quality, access, and outcomes in reports from U.S. News, The Commonwealth Fund, and other health analysts. Other top contenders often include Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, with strengths like low uninsured rates, strong access, and good public health measures. 

What country has totally free healthcare?

Instead, it relies on a combination of private insurance, employer-provided plans, and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare to support vulnerable populations. Only one country offers healthcare that is free for everyone, Brazil, because the nation's Constitution defines healthcare as a universal right.

What is the safest state to live in Australia?

1. Which state in Australia has the lowest crime rate? Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory are considered among the safest because of crime rates below the national average.

Who has better healthcare, the US or Australia?

Australians report much higher satisfaction with their healthcare system compared to Americans, reflecting better access, affordability, and equity in care. The USA excels in advanced specialist care and medical innovation, but suffers from unequal access to healthcare, leaving many uninsured or underinsured.

Which state has the best hospital system?

• Hawaii. #1 in Health Care. #28 in Best States Overall. ...
• Massachusetts. #2 in Health Care. #9 in Best States Overall. ...
• Connecticut. #3 in Health Care. #15 in Best States Overall. ...
• Rhode Island. #4 in Health Care. ...
• New Jersey. #5 in Health Care. ...
• Maryland. #6 in Health Care. ...
• California. #7 in Health Care. ...
• New York. #8 in Health Care.

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower admin costs, standardized coverage, and potentially lower premiums for individuals (especially Part A), while private plans excel at covering dependents and often have out-of-pocket caps, though sometimes with higher overall costs and network restrictions. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) has no spending limit, while private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) (run by private companies) typically do, making them potentially safer for high-need users. 

What changes are coming to Medicare in 2025?

Major Medicare changes for 2025 center on Part D prescription drug costs, with a new $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap and monthly payment options for drugs, alongside an elimination of the "donut hole" phase; other updates include potential Medicare Advantage plan reductions, stricter marketing rules, and expanded mental health/caregiver support, though Part B premiums increased slightly from 2024 to 2025.