If you live in Missouri, you have a number of options for Medicare coverage, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D (drug coverage).

Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the United States government.

People who live in Missouri are generally eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old, but you may be eligible at a younger age if you have certain disabilities or medical conditions.

This article reviews Medicare plan options for those who live in Missouri, including what to consider when choosing a plan, plan eligibility, and how to enroll.

2025 Medicare trends in Missouri

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported the following information on Medicare trends in Missouri for the 2025 plan year:

  • A total of 1,321,671 residents of Missouri are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium changed from $10.19 in 2024 to $12.69 in 2025.
  • There are 134 Medicare Advantage plans available in Missouri for 2025, while there were 139 plans in 2024.
  • All Missouri residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 10 Medigap plans offered in Missouri for 2025. Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare members.

Medicare is a federal program that helps pay the costs of healthcare for people who are 65 years old or older and people who have certain disabilities or health conditions.

Several Medicare plans are available in Missouri, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D (drug coverage), and Medigap (supplemental coverage) plans.

Original Medicare

Together, Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. You get Original Medicare directly from the federal government. While Original Medicare helps pay for a lot of health services, it pays only a portion.

  • Medicare Part A is specifically for inpatient services you receive in a hospital, in a skilled nursing facility, or in hospice care, as well as some limited home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A. This is because it’s funded through a payroll tax you or your spouse likely paid during your working years.
  • Medicare Part B is for outpatient services and medical supplies you may receive when you visit a regular doctor or a specialist. You typically do pay a premium for Part B.

You still have to pay significant out-of-pocket costs when you seek care. Plus, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs or dental, hearing, or vision care.

Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer an “all-in-one” alternative to getting Original Medicare plus supplemental coverage. These plans are available from private insurers as a full replacement.

Medicare Advantage plans provide all the same coverage as Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug benefits. They frequently also include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as health and wellness programs.

The following companies offer Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri:

Plan options vary by county. To research plans in your area, you can enter your zip code into this online Medicare search tool.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. You may purchase a Medicare Part D plan from Medicare or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare supplement plans (Medigap)

You can help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover by purchasing a Medicare supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan). But you cannot be enrolled in a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.

In Missouri, many insurance companies offer Medigap plans. Here are some of the companies offering Medigap plans throughout the state:

When shopping for Medicare plans in Missouri, keep these considerations in mind:

  • What costs can you expect to pay? How much are the premiums? How much can you expect to pay when you visit a doctor or fill a prescription?
  • Are there requirements for choosing doctors? Does the plan require you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialty care?
  • How wide is the provider network? Does it include doctors and facilities that are convenient to you? If you already have relationships with healthcare professionals, are they part of the plan network?
  • What if you still work? If you choose to continue working, how do your Medicare options compare to coverage offered through your employer?
  • What if you’re married? Does your spouse qualify for Medicare coverage as well? If one of you is younger than 65 years old, you may need to consider other options.

Medicare plans in Missouri are available to people over age 65 and adults with certain disabilities or chronic health conditions.

You’ll be able to enroll for Medicare plans in Missouri if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You’re 65 years old or older.
  • You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • You qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end stage renal disease, you’re eligible for Medicare at any time, regardless of your age

When can I enroll in Missouri’s Medicare plans?

If you qualify for Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you’re not automatically enrolled, your initial Medicare enrollment period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 years old and continues for 3 months afterward. It usually makes sense to enroll in at least Part A at this time since most people qualify for it without a premium.

If you choose to continue working and are eligible to continue your employer-sponsored group health plan coverage, you may want to weigh your options when deciding whether to enroll in Part B or other Medicare coverage. If you choose to wait, you may qualify for a special enrollment period later.

Medicare enrollment periods

In addition to your initial enrollment period, you can enroll in various parts of Medicare during these periods:

  • Late enrollment: From January 1 through March 31, you can enroll in a Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Medicare Part D enrollment: From April 1 through June 30, you can enroll in a Part D plan.
  • Medicare open enrollment: From October 15 through December 7, you can enroll in, drop out of, or change your Part C or Part D plan.
  • Special enrollment: Under special circumstances, you may qualify for a special enrollment period of 8 months.

You can use these resources if you have any questions about Medicare or need help with enrollment:

If you live in Missouri, you have several Medicare options to choose from.

You can sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and decide whether to add Medicare Part D (drug coverage).

Alternatively, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Many private insurance companies in Missouri offer Medicare Advantage plans.

There are also several Medigap plan options available to you if you live in Missouri and are looking for additional coverage. But you cannot be enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time.