Understand Medicare in North Dakota
Medicare, the United States federal medical insurance program, provides coverage for almost 140,000 people in North Dakota who qualify for Medicare. You can get Medicare if you’re 65 or older or have a qualifying disability.
Your disability typically qualifies if you’ve received at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability insurance payments. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Most people have premium-free Part A but, if you have to buy it, the cost can reach up to $506 per month in 2023. Part B costs $164.90 per month but can be more if you have higher income. There are 27 Medicare Advantage Plans in the state that are an alternative to Original Medicare. Learn more about your Medicare options in North Dakota.
Medicare Plans in North Dakota
Compare ratings of North Dakota’s Medicare plan providers: | ||||
Insurance company | Medicare rating | A.M. Best rating | BBB rating | J.D. Power ranking |
Aetna | 4 stars | A+ | A+ | 6th out of 9 |
Humana | 4 stars | A- | A+ | 2nd out of 9 |
UnitedHealthcare | 3.5 stars | A- | A- | 4th out of 9 |
Medicare Plan Options in North Dakota
Residents of North Dakota have multiple Medicare plans to choose from. Many are tiered to help North Dakotans find the plan that is best suited to your lifestyle and medical needs. For example, seniors and individuals with disabilities who don’t need much coverage can apply for Original Medicare. North Dakota’s Medicare Advantage program might be a better option if you need more comprehensive insurance. Some Medicare policies offer additional prescription drug add-ons or supplementary coverage.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) | Original Medicare is the basic Medicare plan, which is a fee-for-service form of insurance. It has two parts: Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Part A covers hospital stays and periods spent at skilled nursing facilities, lab tests an individual has performed, and hospice care. Part B covers doctor’s office visits and home health care services. It may also cover some preventive care, such as screenings for cancers and mental illnesses, including depression. With Original Medicare, you’ll pay a deductible along with your share of the fees incurred during an inpatient or outpatient visit:
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Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) | Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans include both Part A and Part B coverage, except for hospice care. Most services are provided by network providers, and you may need primary care physicians, referrals for specialists, and prior authorizations for treatment and medications. Medicare Advantage offers additional coverage for essential needs, such as prescription drugs, dental and vision care. Some Medicare Advantage Plans also cover gym memberships and transportation to and from medical appointments. Part C may also pay for adult day care services:
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Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plans (Part D) | Many Medicare Advantage policies add Part D drug coverage automatically to their package, but you can also add Medicare prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare. Medicare prescription drug coverage is offered to all Medicare enrollees, but you may have to pay a penalty if you wait to enroll after being initially eligible. Medicare Part D plans may not all cover the same drugs or have the same costs as Medicare Advantage policies. Standalone Part D coverage is provided by Medicare-approved private insurers. Most plans require a deductible and a copay for each prescription drug:
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap) | Some North Dakota seniors purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, also known as Medigap. These plans are intended to fill in the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Some of these gaps include medical coverage while overseas, Part A and Part B copays, and excess Part B charges. Medigap doesn’t pay for anything related to Medicare Advantage. You cannot have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan at the same time.
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Medicare in North Dakota by the Numbers
People enrolled in Original Medicare | Average plan cost | Annual state spending per beneficiary | Spending per beneficiary compared to the national average |
107,585 | Part A: $0 to $506 per month*
Part B: $164.90 per month** |
$9,449 | -18.5% |
*Most people pay no premium, but this can vary depending on how long they paid Medicare taxes.
**This is the average number, but it can vary based on income.
Medicare Resources in North Dakota
Getting support can help when you’re making Medicare decisions. North Dakota has numerous locations where enrollees can receive help through North Dakota State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC). SHIC has counselors throughout the state that work with local nonprofits and public health agencies, as well as North Dakota Adult and Aging Services, which provide seniors with Medicare information.
North Dakota Senior Law Project
The North Dakota Senior Law Project sponsors Legal Aid of North Dakota, which is a nonprofit organization that helps North Dakota seniors age 60 and over apply for Medicare and lower their out-of-pocket health coverage costs. Local offices are staffed with legal professionals who can help seniors resolve billing issues and denied claims.
Contact information: Website | (877) 579-7562
North Dakota State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC)
The North Dakota Insurance Department provides the State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) program to seniors and their family members living in the state. SHIC offers free counseling and information about Medicare, insurance supplements and prescription drug coverage. Counselors can help you through every step of the process, from comparing plans to initial enrollment to billing issues.
Contact information: Website | (888) 575-6611
North Dakota Aging and Disability Resource Link
The North Dakota Aging and Disability Resource Link offers resources to seniors interested in learning more about the government health plans and organizations. You can be connected to local senior centers, caregiver supports and programs, as well as insurance counselors and resources for help with prescription drug coverage. The website allows you to search for resources by name or region, or you can call for more individualized help.
Contact information: Website | (855) 462-5465
North Dakota Adult and Aging Services
North Dakota seniors can access programs and services for older adults and adults with physical disabilities through the Department of Human Services Adult and Aging Services division. The Adult and Aging Services division works with state partners to help seniors live comfortably in their homes and communities, and also acts as an advocate for the health, safety and welfare of seniors in long-term care settings.
Contact information: Website | (855) 462-5465