Key takeaways

  • Colorado residents have multiple Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, with additional coverage available through Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) or Part D plans.
  • In 2026, Colorado Medicare Advantage plans have an average monthly premium of $11.41, and all Colorado residents have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • When enrolling in a Medicare plan, it’s important to consider individual coverage needs, compare plan costs (including premiums, deductibles, and copays), and confirm whether current doctors are within the plan’s network.

Medicare is a health insurance program designed for individuals ages 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with specific health conditions and disabilities.

It consists of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) together form Original Medicare
  • Part C, referred to as Medicare Advantage, provides an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D offers coverage for prescription drugs

If you have Original Medicare, you can also sign up for a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

Snapshot of Medicare in Colorado

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Colorado for the 2026 plan year:

  • There are 10 stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans available in Colorado for 2026 for individuals with Original Medicare (parts A and B).
  • A total of 1,056,627 residents of Colorado are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage (Part C) monthly premium in Colorado is set to increase from $11.41 in 2025 to $12.91 in 2026.
  • There are 108 Medicare Advantage plans available in Colorado for 2026.
  • All Colorado residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, and 97.1% of residents can access plans with $0 premiums.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different parts and plans cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D is also provided by private insurance companies. It is a stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in one of these stand-alone plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans without prescription drug coverage may also allow you to purchase a separate Part D plan, but you should check with your insurer to confirm this.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Colorado, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65, you may also qualify through disability, or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You have the option to:

  • Initial Enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday
  • Open Enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7
  • Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Switch Advantage plans from January 1 to March 31, if you already have Medicare Advantage
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage

Colorado Medicare resources

For more information on Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado, reach out for help. You can find more information by contacting:

  • State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): You can speak with a SHIP counselor by calling 888-696-7213 to get more information on Medicare, receive enrollment assistance, and find out if you qualify for Low Income Assistance Programs to help cover Medicare costs in Colorado.
  • Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (888-696-7213): Find SHIP Locations, learn about prescription drug benefits, get Medicare basics, and discover senior Medicare patrol.
  • Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program (OAP): If you receive an Old Age Pension but do not qualify for Health First Colorado, you can get assistance. Contact numbers vary by county.
  • Prescription drug discount resources: Find information on purchasing lower cost prescription medication, and learn more about patient assistance programs.
  • Medicare (800-633-4227): Get more information on Medicare plans, coverage, and carriers in Colorado.
  • Railroad Retirement Board (877-772-5772): If you qualify for benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, find the information you need by contacting them directly.

Colorado residents have various options for Medicare, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D.

People with Original Medicare can supplement their insurance with a Medigap plan.