Updated for plan year 2026 on 2026-07-25
Are $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans really free?
$0 premium means the plan has no additional monthly plan premium, but you still usually pay Part B and may owe copays, coinsurance, drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.
What to check before you choose
Medicare choices depend on your dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying during the year.
- Confirm the beneficiary's Medicare effective dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, and coverage goals.
- Separate general education from plan-specific recommendations and document consent before marketing discussions.
- Check current plan-year rules, premiums, formularies, pharmacy pricing, networks, and enrollment-window eligibility.